Scott Chamberlin
The Otago Polytechnic School of Art has been praised by
an international judge at New Zealand's most prestigious
ceramic art awards.
United States ceramicist and 2009 Portage Ceramic Awards
judge Scott Chamberlin says the Dunedin art school stands
alone in New Zealand in teaching ceramic art.
"There is currently only one tertiary provider [the Otago
Polytechnic School of Art] which provides a dedicated course
in ceramics," he said.
"Ceramic tertiary education in this country has very nearly
been abandoned.
"Serious programmes for ceramic artists to advance their
studio practice and broaden their knowledge are extremely
limited.
"I encourage the larger contemporary art community to support
these artists."
Chamberlin says the lack of training has retarded the
standard of ceramic art in New Zealand.
"The very best works in these awards could compete anywhere
in the world with confidence. It is the overall quality of
the artwork entered that surprises and concerns me.
"I've spoken to many enthusiasts in the New Zealand ceramic
community and there seems to be unanimous agreement that
works need to be more contemporary; for the artists to take
more risks."
A record number of 200 entries were received for the awards
this year.
The winner will be announced on October 15.
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