Cheryl Oliver

 Largely self-taught, Cheryl has been creating works from clay for more than twenty years, adding to her knowledge at regular workshop and master classes that she has attended here and overseas. In turn, Cheryl gives back her skill and knowledge by teaching others at workshops in both this country and in Arizona in the United States.

Over the years she has been a regular participant in national annual exhibitions of NZ Potters Inc and she has received two people's choice awards in recent years. In 2011 she won a merit away in the Portage ceramic awards.

Cheryl describes her work as figurative with an emphasis on humour, believing that it has its place in art. Most of her work is created to reflect a moment in human expression with the viewer providing the final narrative. “It seems to me there is ample room for an occasional grin in our lives.”

Cheryl works predominantly with a porcelain-type clay body, using textures from various sources and a restrained colour palette to add interest, depth and “a hint of cheek”.

Each piece is individually made and finished with the stamp of her potter's mark before being fired in her electric kiln.

Her work is in collections around the world, including the collection of musician and songwriter, Sir Elton John.