Ross Mitchell Anyon
Ross has been throwing clay since 1975 after deciding painting wasn’t for him. The utilitarian aspects of pottery, creating something for everyday use, appealed to him. He is well represented in galleries and collections around New Zealand. In 2000, a major exhibition “Ross Michell-Anyon: a potters work” was held at the Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui
Ross has long been an admirer of Asian ceramics and what he calls the “anonymous folk craftsman”. This term refers to the centuries old habit of not signing work however beautiful and accomplished it may seem. On a visit to Uzbekistan recently the pots he most enjoyed were made by potters for their own communities. “The pieces had a no nonsense look to them, none had been laboured over too long and the surface decorations seemed straight forward and economic… these pots were clearly made to be used until they broke, not to last forever”
Much the same could be said of Ross’s work. His honest use of materials, spontaneity of form and “un-fussed over” finish makes Ross one of New Zealand’s leading production potters.
