Richard Parker (New Zealand) ceramics

Richard Parker is a renowned New Zealand potter who was born in Nelson in 1946. Parker graduated from Christchurch Teachers Training College in 1966 and taught in various schools across New Zealand until 1973. During his time in Nelson, he was introduced to the work of early studio potters, which later inspired him to become a full-time potter. Parker initially produced domestic ware before focusing solely on art pottery from 1979. He was influenced by Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada and Soetsu Yanagi in his early work but later developed his unique style.

Parker has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council grant in 1987 and being elected as a member of the International Academy of Ceramics in 2006. He was also commissioned to create an anchorstone, titled G8, for a large-scale installation in New Zealand's Parliament Buildings in 1995.

Parker's more... work is held in collections across New Zealand and Australia, including The Dowse Art Museum, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. In 2011, Parker was recognised by Objectspace as their inaugural Master of Craft, and a touring survey exhibition and accompanying publication were produced to celebrate his work. less...