Pots, pictures go well together

Press, 20 April 1979, Page 20

Pots, pictures go well together

Stoneware pottery by Rex Valentine and photography by Keith Nicolson; at the Gallery, Akaroa; open week-ends until April 29. Reviewed by David Brokenshire. More than a year ago Rex Valentine returned to New Zealand after studying pottery, the tea ceremony, and flower arrangement for 15 months in Japan. This exhibition is the first opportunity we have had to see many of his new pots. From Yanagi's “The Unknown Craftsman” the essentials of Japanese aesthetics relating to pottery seem to be largely contained in Quietism. In this exhibition both pots and photographs combine well, sharing a gentleness of spirit.

Almost all the pots are understated in throwing, turning, and glazing. The forms are generous yet restrained. Vases No. I and j No. 8 are excellent exam- j pies and can stand as ■ complete justification of j the time Rex Valentine ; has spent studying in | Japan. The pieces range . from vases to a collection I of magnificent platters, I ikebani containers, bowls, tea uots. and cups. The photographs by Keith Nicolson are simply presented, mounted, and framed. They depict a range of subjects chosen i from Nicolson’s own local- I ity, yet each is shown ! with an artist’s inquiring i mind. Rocks, leaves, rud- j der, and cartwheel are all j eloquent statements and j form rewarding objects of I contemplation.