The Poi Room, is delighted to be hosting the ‘NOTE IT DOWN’ Exhibition of Aaron Scythe in our New Market Gallery from the 29th February. We thought in the lead up to his exhibition it was time we got to know him a bit better and his process as an artist.
What do you make/art practice?
The main body of work I have chosen to work in for this exhibition is porcelain, blue and red decoration previously I have worked in this style, but this time I have tried to do as much detailed work as I can using a motif that is both Japanese and NZ based. I have a short attention span, so it has been a challenge to spend such a long time decorating each piece.
Also, I have made a small body of Hikidashiguro drinking vessels.
What is your Creative Process?
My creative process is simple that I am a workaholic — generally 12 -14 hour days, six days a week. I go to the studio and make. If I have a fixed idea in my head, it generally disappears once I start making. But one has to be aware of what people generally use in everyday life for ceramics as they are made to be used, this is my aim when making ceramics. The decoration is slightly different as one builds up a language from things that have been inspirational to one's self and what one sees in everyday life. I always try and use a language that can be understood by the user. And that I find aesthetically pleasing. Just make and make a lot. I make domestic ceramics for this mundane life. Prints are a personal interest — another aspect of creation. They often give me hints on what direction to take in ceramic decoration.
What does a normal day look like to you?
- Wake up
- Coffee
- Work
- Lunch & 2nd Coffee
- Siesta
- Work
- Dinner
- Work
- Sleep
- Occasionally, with a few beers in-between there.
How did it all begin - where did this passion for ceramics come from?
I still have no idea why I wanted to make ceramics; I was just drawn to it. Once I started making it become an addiction as such inspiration for making work came a few years of study afterward when I discovered 16th-century Japanese ceramics.
Where do you find inspiration as an Artist?
As an artist, I find inspiration in everyday life and of course, Pinterest always helps.
What do you love most about working & living in Aotearoa?
Aotearoa - it is nuclear-free.
How has your artwork change over time?
Work changes over time; it is said in classical music one has to put in 20,000hrs of dedicated practice to become a concert pianist. The same can be said with ceramics; one has to work for it to become natural, not to have to think when making to have one's feeling go into the clay without extraneous thinking and motion. Aesthetically the shapes that I presumed were dull and lifeless in my early Career and Now I feel drawn towards. Simple and unrefined shapes often.
How/Has the digital space affected your artwork?
In the digital space of this internet era, it is easier to sell works overseas and be reached by many people especially through social media one can have feedback on what one is doing. And connect with people who like what I am doing. Also once upon a time, a large library was used to say for reference and research Nowadays, Pinterest is my aesthetic library and the internet my research library.
What is your studio/creative space like?
My wheel room and kiln room are in a classic skyline shed. But my decoration space is next to the kitchen and living area as I spend most of my time working and (70% of this is decoration ) it is nice to be able to see and communicate with my family.
What drew you to working with The Poi Room?
A friend took me to the poi room down by the wharf when I first went to Auckland after coming back from Japan. I remember Clayton welcoming people on entry to The Poi Room, and it was a lovely feeling. Then the caliber of work, work that has a true connection to the place and culture we live in. It was a gallery that I wanted to show my work in once I set up a studio in Aotearoa.
Describe your relationship with The Poi Room & how our values fit with your business?
Over the years of exhibiting work, I have found that gallery's most important attribute is its owners. How they cultivate and support the artists they deal with, how they relate to the clientele and can communicate the artists' feelings to the clientele while also holding to their own aesthetic belief of what art or craft is in a modern context. As a maker, I feel that the work I make has to be of value to the public; it has to have worth, and it has to be understandable. The Poi Room is able to bring what I do into context with the world.
NOTE IT DOWN will be showcasing Aaron Scythe's most decorative ceramic collection. The strong motifs & themes known to Aaron's work will be on full display. We will be hosting a meet & greet w/ Aaron Scythe
Aaron Scythe at The Poi Room New Market (17 Osborne St) on Saturday 29th February from 12:30 pm – 02:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
