The Teapot Man

Highly regarded for his strength of practice when it comes to ceramic art, there’s no denying Rick Rudd lives and breathes the art form. Operating from his own studio and museum, Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics, Rick has lost none of the early enthusiasm for his craft and continues to push the boundaries when it comes to ceramics.

What’s the most memorable thing you have made or designed?

I've never had kids, but it's like asking a parent which is their favourite child, it’s an impossible question!  There are, however, several in my collection I have retained because they stand out from similar works.

What is a typical day for you like?

Nearly all my day is spent in the museum; mostly working in my studio in the foyer, interspersed with welcoming and talking to visitors.  Before opening and after closing, I’m cleaning, organising and preparing future exhibitions.

What's the best part about having a museum in Whanganui?

Definitely the reaction of visitors who spend up to an hour looking around the museum and are really enthusiastic about what they have seen.

What were the challenges/unforeseen moments in setting up your museum?

Maintaining the commitment to be open six days a week (and even seven days a week from Boxing Day to the end of January when there’s more tourists in town), especially in winter on days when no one visits.  Fortunately, there’s not too many of these.