Red lava flow. From the group: Magma. From the series: The magma flows, the magma cools on its way to the ocean.

item details

NameRed lava flow. From the group: Magma. From the series: The magma flows, the magma cools on its way to the ocean.

ProductionLen Castle; potter; 1991; Auckland

Classificationceramics, studio ceramics, works of art

Materialsclay, ceramic glaze

Materials SummaryEarthenware, lava red glaze

Techniquesfiring

Dimensions530mm, 64mm, 330mm

Registration Number1996-0033-9/4a-d

Credit lineCommissioned 1991, in partnership with Expo NZ 1992 Ltd and the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council of New Zealand

Overview

'In my pottery, my mind has focused subconsciously or consciously on natural phenomena. As a potter who works with fire as his partner and as one of the tools for the creative process, my interest in New Zealand volcanic activity was a natural development.

In the geothermal hinterland of the central North Island, between the sky and the subterranean, are marks left by the feverish exhalation of volcanic activity. Volcanoes, lava flows, ash deposits, explosion craters, hot springs, geysers, mineral deposits and the thermally metamorphosed rocks form an important and fascinating part of the landscape.

After a firing in my kiln I have noticed similarities between some of the effects of the volcanic geothermal activity and what can occur in certain glazes when they are heated to a fever pitch of molecular activity.

Glaze eruptions, scoriaceous blistering, flow and colour-separation effects can occur. I have used some of these effects as part of the statement about my work in this exhibition.'

Len Castle
'Treasures of the Underworld', New Zealand Pavilion, World Expo, Seville, Spain. 12 April-20 October 1992