Waikouaiti potter Peter Gregory with one of the pots he
plans to exhibit in North Carolina. The pot features on
publicity posters for the exhibition. Photo by Bill
Campbell.
Peter Gregory, who works from the Old Post Office Gallery
at Waikouaiti, is one of 50 potters from around the world who
have been invited to exhibit pottery at an exhibition held by
the arts council of Moore County at Southern Pines, North
Carolina, in the United States.
Mr Gregory credits his blog for the invitation to the
exhibition.
He is now seeking sponsorship to send his pottery to the
exhibition.
For many potters, communicating and sharing information
through the internet had become an important part of their
creative process, Mr Gregory said.
Many worked alone, in contrast to the large groups of potters
who worked together up to a few years ago.
The blog had become an extension of the studio, allowing the
sharing of technical information on glazing, firing and other
practicalities about making a living as a potter.
It also helped introduce non potters to the craft, Mr Gregory
said.
Photographs and text helped explain the glazing and firing
techniques.
Mr Gregory is seeking sponsorship towards the cost of air
freighting several pieces to the exhibition.
He is the only New Zealand potter who has been invited to
take part.
Two or three Australian potters have been invited to the
exhibition.
Several will be attending from the UK and Europe, with the
balance from the United States.
The exhibition, entitled "Clay and blogs. Telling a story",
features work by potters who have blog sites.
It will also feature some of the writing from the blogs.
Much of the exhibition will be made available online.
It will run for a month from October 1 at Campbell House
Gallery, Southern Pines.
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