Gaye Atkinson

Gaye Atkinson recently returned to pottery after 30 years absence and pursued her interest in Raku and Pit firing. These methods rely mainly on the interaction of flame and smoke on combustibles and oxides for their unique effects. With Raku she takes the American, metaphorical design approach as opposed to the traditional Japanese one. In August 2022 her Raku fired, oxidised 'Winter Shadows,' bowl form won The New Plymouth Pottery Club's Annual Exhibition's Supreme Award. Judged by internationally acclaimed Maori potter, Wi Taepa, this work reflected her interpretation of the environment 'Ancient Vessel' demonstrated her use of metallic glazes to reference artefacts and won the 2022 Taranaki National Art Award's 3D Award category. Also well known art experts, Leafa Janice Wilson and Karl Chitham were the judges.