THE MAN BEHIND POTTERY IN MOTION

John Gisborne is a renowned New Zealand potter who has been throwing clay for 35 years and still counting. Showing an interest in clay from an early age by helping his family in their own pottery business, Gisborne has a lifetime passion for all things relating to clay. During these years Gisborne has amassed a vast amount of knowledge of all things according to ceramic and pottery which he puts into practice to produce his beautiful sought-after pieces. Having started his journey working within his family business he then moved on to become the resident potter at the Waikato Society of Potters and then took the leap in creating his own studio in Hamilton for 2 years.

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Having worked with some of the greats in the industry (the likes of Allan Vickers in Mt Maunganui and a five-year stint with Barry Brickell in Coromandel) this has only increased Gisborne’s passion and skills which he took with him abroad for a two-year stint working at Glasgow Ceramics in Scotland.

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Gisborne now resides in Hawkes Bay living in Taradale where he plies his trade as an artist exhibiting his work throughout Aotearoa. Although he has a special interest in wood firings and seeing the effects created from the flame and ash, Gisborne produces a wide variety of ceramics from decorative pottery to artistic sculptural forms. Also from garden and water features of an organic feminine nature to ranges of domestic ware or even the large fermentation eggs he is currently creating for the wine industry. Gisborne’s work has become very collectable and desired both here in Aotearoa and internationally.

These days he has a very active role involving the Taradale Pottery Club teaching students along with sharing his knowledge regarding all the types of clay and their properties, to glazes and all their wonders. His expertise in kilns, whether they be gas, raku, pit or electric is often called upon as well as his ability to design and construct wood fired Kilns. He is often partaking in teaching workshops across Aotearoa.

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You can visit Gisborne’s studio at the Waiohiki Creative Arts Village in Taradale to view all his stock and trade by appointment. Gisborne also provides commission work so contact him directly to obtain your own personal piece that will fit you and your home.