Newspaper Article 2005 – Tribute to NZ pottery’s ‘Mum’

Sculptor Helen Mason is 90 this month

Tribute to NZ pottery’s ‘Mum’

Honouring Helen
Hum & Buzz Café, Waipawa
Until March 28
Reviewed by Melanie Fowler

This exhibition represents a diverse mix of artists where the common denominator is Helen Mason, “the Mother of New Zealand Pottery”.

The exhibition did seem to have been put together rather too quickly (it has been timed to coincide with Helen’s 90th birthday) and would have benefited from further planning.

My preconception was that the works on display were going to be ones made specifically for this exhibition with honouring Helen in mind. They have not been and it was soon realised that this was not important. What was important was that Helen’s influence and/or encouragement had touched all those contributing at different stages of their lives.

The works on display range from craft to fine art, from the traditional to the experimental. However, the highlight certainly has to be the pottery: From Helen’s own tactile organic forms to Paul Melser’s functional stoneware cups through to the decorative pieces of Jenny Shearer, to name a few.

You did get an overwhelming sense of warmth and respect for the nurturing mother-figure that Helen appears to have been to many. This is perhaps most evident in the letters the artists have written as part of the display. As Michael O’Donnell expresses it in his beautiful poem “it is not / by vases nor flowers / but cups of tea / bowls of soup. . . she showed /a confidence / to not be afraid.”

Helen is, without a doubt, inspirational. It was a delight to view the photographs of her working and you could not help but share the enthusiasm of those manning the gallery who were at the ready to answer any questions or to offer further explanation:

INSPIRATIONAL:   Helen Mason’s work ranges from the traditional to the experimental.