Alex Jones - The Bush in My Head
26th Mar - 12th Apr 2026
Self-taught potter and dedicated ceramics collector Alex Jones is driven by a deep enthusiasm for clay and form. Through years of closely studying and collecting the work of notable potters, he has developed a trained eye for the qualities that make an object resonate, works that carry a sense of history, material honesty, and emotional presence.
Our relationship with Alex has developed over several years. Initially, he would bring in pots by our artist who he admires and worked with, gradually building a dialogue around pottery and over time, this connection evolved as Alex began introducing his own work at Public Record, including his now-recognisable bird-wing and papa-shouldered forms.
Following recent selection as a finalist in the Portage Awards at Te Uru, Alex’s work has begun to gain wider recognition even more and with collectors increasingly drawn to the distinctive character of his pots. We are pleased to present this exhibition as his debut solo presentation with the gallery.
This collection, developed over the past year, marks an important moment in Alex’s practice. We invite you to experience this bold and thoughtful body of work.
Artist Statement
The pots I’ve made for this collection are built around a feeling for the bush in Aotearoa.
While a few details reference specific plants, the collection is mostly about capturing the experience of walking through the bush. I love noticing the random things scattered everywhere, objects with a variety of textures that might be cracked, rotting, or coming apart at the edges. That sense of layered texture and quiet decay is something I wanted to bring into the pots.
The glazes and clays I’ve chosen are largely earthy and muted, but the pops of colour reflect seeds, flowers or bright little berries trying to entice a passing bird for a snack. You’ll also spot a bit of bird life in the works, alongside mushrooms, fungi, and all those other fascinating bits and pieces you find happily growing in unexpected places out in the wild.
Bio
Alex Jones is a potter based in Onehunga, Tāmaki Makaurau. Mostly self-taught, he works exclusively with hand-building techniques.
Alex aims to make pots with a sense of personality, objects that build a connection with the viewer and contribute meaningfully to the spaces they inhabit.
A keen pottery history enthusiast, he is deeply inspired by past and current practitioners across Aotearoa. Many of his techniques, materials, and forms draw from the vernacular traditions he sees in historical local pottery.
He was the finalist at portage ceramic award last year, won the Driving Creek Residency at Fire and Clay judged by Laurie Steers and He won the first time exhibitor award from Peter Hawkesby.
Alex Jones
