A recent workshop with one of our favourite potters – John Gisborne

With over 35 years of experience, John Gisborne is a passionate potter whose sought-after creations are admired in Aotearoa and worldwide. He honed his skills working with industry greats like Allan Vickers in Mt Maunganui and Barry Brickell in Coromandel, and further developed his craft during a two-year stint at Glasgow Ceramics in Scotland. John is also a valued teacher, generously sharing his extensive knowledge.

Not your typical wheel workshop

John demonstrated different techniques on the wheel, showcasing his expertise and passion for pottery. He began by explaining the fundamentals of the throwing process. As he skillfully shaped the clay into various forms, he introduced us to different throwing techniques, such as pulling up the walls and creating controlled curves. He also shared some insightful tips and tricks that he had gathered over the years, stressing the importance of hand positioning and pressure.

After the initial demonstrations, we moved into a collaborative effort using the coiling method, highlighting how coiling allows for greater creativity and the ability to create larger and more intricate designs compared to traditional wheel throwing.

John emphasized the significance of patience and attention to detail, reminding us of the importance of proper drying techniques and how to prevent cracks, ensuring that our pieces would be successful once fired in the kiln.