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Harlequin Gallery |
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Robert
Ayton
was introduced to studio ceramics in the 1980's by the late Albert Shelley, who
ran a pottery in Norfolk. It was Shelley's enthusiasm and knowledge that
inspired Robert to begin potting himself. He is largely self taught but did
attend courses run by Phil Rogers and John Maltby, with the latter still
being a significant influence on his method of making. Although Robert hasn't
worked in Japan he did spend three weeks there in 1993 when he visited the
ancient Japanese kiln sites of Bizen, Iga and Shigaraki. He also went to
Mashiko, where he had arranged a visit to see Tatsuzo Shimaoka, the Living
National Treasure and former pupil of Shoji Hamada. This proved memorable and
at the end of the visit Shimaoka gave Robert two teabowls as a gift. (I know
I'm envious too) Certainly the
idiosyncratic pottery produced in the ancient kilns of 16th century Japan has
lead to Robert producing the hand-built functional pottery he does today. In
their production he uses craft crank clay and simple glazes produced using
wood ash, clay and feldspar. These are applied by pouring, splashing and
painting but perhaps the secret is that they are usually fired in a reduction
atmosphere two or even three times. Robert was one
of the two potters who took part in the East meets West exhibition at the
Harlequin Gallery during October 2002 and supplied 12 teabowls/yunomis for
“Teabowls 2006” exhibition. The new work below is available and on show
at the gallery from Thursday 14th December 2006. |
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