Mapua’s Coolstore Gallery is buzzing thanks to the passion of its owners, wife and husband team, Corene and Laszlo. With experience in the art and business world in Europe over the years, the couple are relishing the opportunity to bring the best of local art and craft to the public along with that of selected creatives from further afield.
They are particularly excited about the re-energising of the local ceramic scene. “I think people are appreciating the handmade nature of things, those that are made by a real person rather than a factory where they are churned out,” says Laszlo. “You can tell when you hold a ceramic item whether it's been crafted or come out of a factory.”
“Being able to showcase a range of ceramic artists here is wonderful,” says Corene. “Their work is very diverse from sculptural pieces to items you use every day. Some hand-built while others have been thrown on the potter’s wheel.”
Patrice Driver who also works part-time at the Coolstore Gallery, has been making pots for over three years. “I have been a lifetime collector of ceramic work. I decided to have a go myself and was soon hooked,” she says. Patrice particularly enjoys making mugs and experimenting with colour. “I use a wide range of reactive glazes and depending on how I layer them, I often get wonderful surprises.” They all feel deliciously comfortable to hold and are emboldened with exquisite mixtures of colours.
A ceramicist with over 40 years of experience, Kaye Bustin has recently moved her pottery studio from Waikanae to Nelson. “I love the shapes and textures you find in nature,” she says. “Right now, I am making small pieces with kina shells imprinted in them and seed pods too. I’m continually inspired by the form and patterns I see in the natural world.”
Myriam Goos of Claybound NZ is another who has been bitten by the ceramic bug, thanks to a course at Nelson Community Potters three years ago. “I thoroughly enjoy working on the pottery wheel but also hand building and altering shapes. Texture is something I love to experiment with along with the contrasting effects of different glazes,” she says. “I also love teaching.”
Other ceramic artists represented in the gallery include Mike Perry, Marion Newburn, Andrew Hill, Aimee McLeod, Elsie Fourie, Tuia Marama, Sue Dasler, Darryl Frost and some of the last pieces made by recently retired Brightwater potter Royce McGlashen.
“Work in clay is such a lovely contrast to the art, sculpture, jewellery and hundreds of other works we have here. They make unique affordable gifts, although we often hear that people buy pieces and then can’t bear to part with them,” laughs Laszlo.
