Designer’s New Direction on Display

MEDIA RELEASE
1 December 2006
For immediate release

Designer’s New Direction on Display

The work of iconic New Zealand artist Anthony Morris takes centre stage in December, with an exhibition of his cast glass sculptural works at essenze.

Founder of Matakana’s Morris and James Pottery, and Tileworks – now a national icon - East Coast-born Anthony Morris said his new sculptural works record his emotional, psychological and spiritual journey over the past five years.

“While recovering from a stroke I’ve been on an incredible journey that has resulted in a new creative direction – I wanted to move from functional to expressive items,”Anthony said.

“Sculpture is a new language for me that expresses deeply what I find difficult to put into words. What I love about glass is that every time you look at it you see something different – depending on the light.”

Anthony said his new glass works are also influenced by his history, which includes living and working in North America, Europe and Britain, and travel to Asia.

“I have gained inspiration from these cultures but they are minor, compared with my history of growing up in vicarages on the East Coast, my absorption into religion and my experience of the Maori culture.

“I’m now working on refining my skills, extending upon my sculptural works and continuing to express myself through cast glass.”

essenze Director, Clare Mora, said what she finds most amazing about Anthony Morris’ new creative direction is the size and scale of the works he is now producing.

“Some of Anthony’s pieces such as his glass torsos are more than 70 centimetres tall and weigh 15-16 kg,”Clare said.

“I also find the tactile association and existing relationship he has with clay visible in his cast glass. You are just drawn to touching the pieces.

“His latest collection of works show immense technical skill.”

Clare said Anthony’s latest works join a number of top new glass artists and ceramic designers now on display at essenze. They include renown glass artists Gary Nash, John Penman, Katie Brown and Karen Ellet, and ceramic designers Peter Collis and Susannah Bridges.

“While Höglund Art Glass remains a key focus for the gallery, we’re pleased to be able to complement the selection with works from leading edge New Zealand’s designers under the banner “essenze – inspired New Zealand design,” Clare said.

The Anthony Morris exhibition will be on display at essenze, 285 Parnell Road from 1 December until Christmas.

ENDS

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