Page 46 - Constructing Craft

Oswald Stephens, also known as O. C. Stephens, graduated MSc from the
University of Otago in 1923 with first class honours in organic chemistry. His

interests in the heat treatment on clay led to work with New Zealand Insulators in

Temuka and although he lost the job during the depression, it started a life-long
interest in clay and glazes. He played a central role in establishing the New Zealand

Potter magazine and in the founding of the New Zealand Society of Potters (NZSP).

Stephens represented one section of the craft world – those more interested in the
technical side of craft than ascetics – although he exhibited pottery throughout his

career. At the first annual general meeting of the NZSP in 1965 Oswald Stephens,
along with Olive Jones and Elizabeth Lissaman, were made life members.

O. C. Stephens. Photo: New Zealand Potter.

The early studio potters came from a variety of backgrounds and had a range of

training from the self-taught through to the art school trained. Some worked in
isolation and some worked for wages during the day and others earned the majority

of their income from pottery.

Constructing Craft