Lawrence Ewing (New Zealand) ceramics

After training and working as teacher, Lawrence Ewing embarked on his journey as a potter in 1973 in Rangiora, a small town located in North Canterbury, New Zealand. Initially, he delved into the craft under the guidance of Michael Trumic, dedicating two years to mastering the fundamentals. Captivated by the burgeoning interest in studio ceramics across New Zealand at the time, Lawrence made the decision to leave his teaching position and fully immerse himself in working with clay. The demand for pottery was so remarkable that potters were able to sell their creations even before they were fired in kilns.

For the following 12 years, Lawrence Ewing devoted himself entirely to pottery, honing his skills and cultivating a unique artistic style characterized by sleek, clean-lined forms adorned with vibrant glazes. In 1986, he was appointed as a full-time lecturer in the ceramics section of the School of Art more... at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Lawrence's creations focused on functionality, featuring simple and direct designs. Inspired by his fascination with rope work from his youth, he developed a technique using tarred Indian hemp to fashion decorative elements known as rope grommets. These rope grommets not only added visual appeal, accentuating the rounded nature of the forms, but also served as fully functional handles for larger floor jars.

In 2006, Lawrence relocated to Five Rivers in Northern Southland, New Zealand, where he constructed his own studio and established a kiln. In recognition of his significant contributions to the field of pottery, Lawrence was honored with a Life Membership in the New Zealand Society of Potters in 2010. Lawrence Ewing has held several solo exhibitions in public galleries and his work has been bought by the New Zealand Government for display in New Zealand embassies overseas. less...