Denis O'Connor (New Zealand) ceramics

Denis O'Connor is a New Zealand-based ceramicist, sculptor,

and writer who has exhibited both in New Zealand and internationally. He was

born in Auckland in 1947 and studied at Auckland University College (1966-69),

where he majored in English and History. After graduating, he worked as a

teacher for several years before turning to art full-time.

O'Connor's early work was made using white porcelain and the

iron-rich clay which he found near his studio on Waiheke Island. In 1985 he was

awarded the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship at Otago University, and during his

tenure he switched to using limestone. More recently he has incorporated found

objects and has started to use black slate, which has introduced a more

minimalist aesthetic.

His work is characterized by its intricate detail and its

use of symbolic imagery. His sculptures often explore themes of history,

identity, and the more... natural world. He is also a gifted writer and storyteller,

and his work often incorporates text and narrative.

O'Connor's work is held in major public collections in New

Zealand, Australia, and the United States. He has received numerous awards for

his work, including the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005. A highly respected

artist whose work has made a significant contribution to New Zealand art, O'Connor

continues to work and exhibit in New Zealand and internationally.