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About Neil 
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My professional career has been as an Architect and I have been involved in building since 1959.
I have been involved with Pottery since 1991, and in 1999 I commenced full time involvement with my Pottery.
My work is in private collections in USA, Japan, UK and Europe. I have exhibited in Exhibitions at the Mount Pleasant Pottery Group every year since 1992, with Canterbury Potters Association since 1995, and had work accepted for the Cleveland Ceramic Awards, NZ Society of Potters Exhibitions, Hyperclay Exhibition Gulgong NSW, and an exchange exhibition with California. I exhibited in the inaugural 1999 National Tableware Exhibition and received the Canterbury Trust Merit award for my 'Image of the City' bowls. My work is for sale in galleries in Christchurch, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Wellington and Cambridge. I also sell my work from my studio at 14 Highbank Lane Christchurch. I am currently Canterbury delegate to and a Vice President of the NZ Society of Potters and Past President of the Mt Pleasant Pottery Group. ABOUT MY WORK My stoneware work is principally gas fired to 1300o and is dishwasher oven and microwave safe. Some work is also woodfired and has similar characteristics. High fired stoneware is vitrified and a superior product to commercial domestic slipware. Timber accessories are oiled with a vegetable oil and should be wiped over with a good kitchen vegetable oil occasionally, especially if kept in partial sunlight, to maintain the richness of colour. My raku work will retain its lustre better in a dry environment. The metallic lustres may dull over time and can be polished, either with steel wool and household cleaner or brasso. While the body is relatively fragile polishing can be relatively robust as long as the work is adequately supported. After cleaning, allow the work to dry thoroughly before placing on surfaces that may be affected by moisture. Like all raku fired work, the body remains porous and the works will absorb but not hold water. Raku fired pottery should not be used for food nor subjected to the oven microwave or dishwasher. My pit fired work features many subtle colours and patterns from the firing process. Their sheen may be enhanced by further polishing. I use beeswax and kerosene but most furniture polishes are suitable. NEIL HEY SBStJ, DipArch FRAIA FNZIA Architect and Potter |