A solo exhibition of new work by ceramic artist Gary Horton is the first exhibition of 2009 for Piece Gallery. Piece is excited to be showing the work of local artist Horton, whose focus on raku fired ceramics has found its way into the collections of many.

Gary's representations of organic objects such as fish skeletons, tui and bright red capsicums have been very sought after at Piece and Gary regularly brings work down from his Matakana Valley studio. A solo exhibition of new work by ceramic artist Gary Horton is the first exhibition of 2009 for Piece Gallery. Piece is excited to be showing the work of local artist Horton, whose focus on raku fired ceramics has found its way into the collections of many.

Gary's representations of organic objects such as fish skeletons, tui and bright red capsicums have been very sought after at Piece and Gary regularly brings work down from his Matakana Valley studio.With an obvious influence coming from the surrounding environment, Gary's work is conceptualized through painting and developed into objects of raw tactility. Often the process of colouration continues with placement of sculptures in the natural environment, the ceramics evolving with the weathers of their surroundings.

Ceramics have been part of Gary's life since childhood, watching his Mother, Aunts and other potters who founded the Auckland Studio of Potters working with clay and kilns. Through this familial connection Gary learnt much of his basis for working in clay, building upon this early experience with experimentation of different techniques and glazes.

Horton now has a finely tuned process to create his sculptures, using the occasion of a solo exhibition to cultivate concepts around his raku mastery. Human forms combine with the wild in sculptural forms, while functional objects meld the fantastical with practicality.

Gary Horton Solo begins with a Friday evening opening on the 27th of February, from 5-7pm. The exhibition continues until Sunday 22nd March 2009. Examples of Gary's work can be viewed on the Piece website at www.piecegallery.co.nz.

Piece Gallery is located in the Matakana Village, a one hour drive North of Auckland. Open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 10 - 5, Saturday 9 - 4 and Sunday 10 - 3. Phone 09 422 9125 or email gallery@piecegallery.co.nz for further information.

27/01/09