Mirek smisek biography channel

Nelson/ Tasman's ground-breaking pottery

There is some evidence that the use of clay may date back to early Māori settlement, but the history of clay use in the Nelson region is a European one. Brickfields were in existence as early as 1842 and many brickmakers and bricklayers were listed among the early immigrants. As building began, clay mining and brick making were widespread activities throughout the region.

While clay was used for bricks, insulators, tiles and flower pots, there was no clay suitable for throwing pots when Czech refugee, Mirek Smisek, arrived in Nelson in 1952.  Smisek was the first fully professional studio potter in New Zealand, teaching pottery and producing his own work from 1956.

To blend a suitable clay for potting, Smisek sought the help of Ian McPherson who, with his father William, had clay mining licences in Golden Bay and on the West Coast. McPherson experimented for a year to produce a suitable potting clay.

The philosophy of English writer and potter, Bernard Leach, regarded as the father of British studio pottery, had considerable influence on Nelson's studio pottery scene, with Smisek being an admirer.

Cornish potters May and Harry Davis also incorporated Leach principles in their work.In 1962 they emigrated to Nelson, on hearing about the raw materials available for pottery, and established the Crewena Pottery at Wakapuaka. Soon their domestic ware was setting new standards in New Zealand's rapidly expanding pottery movement.

Jack and Peggy Laird arrived from England in 1964, part of an influx of people from the northern hemis

Date:1980 - 1984

From:[Ephemera of quarto size relating to work and exhibitions by potters and ceramic sculptors in New Zealand]

Reference:Eph-B-CERAMICS-1980/1984

Description:Includes: 1980s: An Exhibition of Pottery by Ray Rogers (of Auckland). Antipodes Gallery, Wellington. An Exhibition of Pottery & Glassware by Nicholas Brandon & Tony Kuepfer. Antipodes Gallery, Wellington. Pots for the Eighties. Antipodies Gallery, Wellington. Includes potters - Keith Blight. Doris Dutch. Harley Gamble. Brian Gartside. Jim Greig. Barbara Hockenhull. Fairlie Rowe. Denis Rowe. Tony Stevens. Robyn Stewart. Graeme Storm. Howard Williams. 1980: John Parker: Recent Ceramics. Media, Karori, Wellington, 1 - 12 September, 1980? Springtime: An exhibition of garden pottery at Textures, Wellington, Monday 8 September 1980. Wellington Potters Association Annual Exhibition 1980 [entry form] Wellington Potters Association Inc: Charity Day, Cuba Mall, 18 October 1980. 1981: Auckland Studio Potters 18th Annual Exhibition 1981. Auckland War Memorial Museum 18 - 27 October 1981. Ceramix: First ever national pottery symposium and exhibition. Organised by the New Zealand Society of Potters Inc. Palmerston North Teachers' College, 19 - 22 January 1981. Exhibition Open Day. Mirek Smisek Pottery, Main Highway, Te Horo, 5 and 6 September 1981. Exhibition: Pottery by Geoff Clarke; Photographs by Warwick Smith; Cap-maker, Jay Davidson. Holloway Road Pottery, 19 - 20 December 1981. New Zealand Society of Potters Inc. [News letter dated 24 November 1981 circulating a letter from Sally Vinson to the parliamentary parties re their policy on a sales tax on craftspeople. Included are replies from the three parties involved]. Pottery: An exhibition by David Marden. The Crafsmans Quarters, Wellington, 8 - 19 December 1981. The Treasures of the Imperial Dynasties: Miniature vase collection (by Franklin Porcelain, Auckland). [Flyer advertising a collection of 12 miniatu

Mirek Smisek

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1925, Mirek Smíšek (OBE) has forged a career as a remarkable New Zealand artist since arriving here in 1951. Mahara Gallery has produced the first ever full survey exhibition and accompanying publication considering Smíšek’s life’s work.

“Mahara Gallery’s exhibition ‘Mirek Smíšek: 60 Years 60 Pots’ is a stunning survey of our pioneering studio potter. Mirek’s ceramics are gutsy, resolute and brilliantly muscular. In balancing his forms with innovative texture and limpid glazes he creates pots that actually breathe with life. His melding of ancient Asian and Continental ceramic traditions is a bravura affirmation of an artist’s innate affection for the everyday. An important exhibition celebrating an exceptional talent”. Ron Brownson, Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art, Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o T?maki.

“Mirek was one of the earliest and a genuine pioneer of studio pottery in New Zealand who gave inspiration to us all. He needs to be at least as well known as the generation that followed him. ‘Mirek Smíšek: 60 Years 60 Pots’ is a genuine revelation of his achievement”. Hamish Keith, art writer and cultural commentator.

“Mirek Smíšek is one of our great treasures. In the 25 years I have spent working on the fringes – and at the heart – of the decorative arts, Mirek stands out as a maker of real stature, accomplishment and generosity. His personal story, his ‘attitude’ as a maker, his innovative practice and his distinctive works deserve wider recognition and fuller appreciation”. Tim Walker, past Director of The New Dowse, art consultant. 

“In the pantheon of those other ‘core’ post Second World War studio potters who laid the path for another way in studio based ceramics, Smíšek’s career has, surprisingly, not yet received a full survey and analysis which records and recognizes his achievements. This unquestionably needs