The Portage Ceramic Awards 2011

Bridie Henderson, winner of this year's supreme Portage Ceramics Award, almost missed out on entering her work as she couldn't afford to bring it up to Auckland for judging.

The twenty-five year old Nelson-based ceramics student is the youngest-ever recipient of the country's most prestigious ceramics prize, winning with Feathers; an installation of three illuminated, encased, out-sized porcelain necklaces.

'I had to borrow money off mum and dad to pay for petrol and the ferry ticket driving up to Auckland. The work is so delicate, I didn't want it sent by courier.'

Bridie, who works part-time as a cleaner, says she is stunned to have won. 'This is the ultimate prize in the ceramic world. It still hasn't sunk in.'

The prize money of $15,000 couldn't have come at a better time; she is finishing off her Diploma in Ceramic Arts this year and working towards her first exhibition.

The work took more than six months to make. 'Each feather took about an hour to make, there are 24 feathers on each piece, I made six sets, and chose the best three; there was heaps of trial and error,' she said.

In awarding Bridie Henderson with the Premier Portage Award, this year's judge, internationally renowned Australian ceramicist, Janet Mansfield commented that she rarely sees work of such skill.

'The attention to detail seen in Feathers is exceptional. Many ceramic artists are inspired by the flora and fauna around them, but this work takes it one step further. It's a stunning work.'

Second prize went to one of the country's best known tableware potters, Chris Weaver. The multi-award winning Hokitika artist took the award for two Made to Measure teapots.

In presenting this award, Janet commented 'Chris Weaver is clearly an accomplished artist. He has made two technically outstanding works and he's had fun with them. They are imaginative and thoughtful pieces.'

Four Merit Awards were presented to ceramic artists from all over the country. 

The 2011 Portage Ceramic Awards merit winners are:

Cheryl Oliver (Tauranga) for her work Searching for Clues II

Maureen Allison (Whangamata) for her work From the Ashes

Kirsty Gardiner (Masterton) for her works Artefact.KG.1907-63

Brendon Adams (Point Chevalier, Auckland) for his work Strategies and Outcomes

Each merit award winner was presented with a $1,000 prize.

The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge at Lopdell House Gallery from Friday 14 October until Sunday 4 December. Visitors can select their favourite work by voting in the People's Choice Award. Voting forms are available at the exhibition.