Creating a tradition

Abstract

"More of a lurch than a movement" is how a poineer in Maori claywork describes the emerging artform. But this year Maori pottery is being assessed in a discerning international market for the first time and seems to be shaping up for appropriate recognition. The pioneer in question, Baye Riddell of Ngati Porou, puncuates his remarks with a laugh. An innovator in ceramics since he became a full time potter 18 years ago, the maori influence on his work was attracting comment long before he went home to pot in his remote tribal area at Tokomaru Bay..."