Early Autumn is now the season in New Zealand. The other morning I was up early and caught this image of the dawn light coming through the trees. The photograph of the coloured grape leaves was taken at a friend's place last week. The leaves seem to be particularly colourful this year.

The top picture is of an old barn in Bristol, Vermont, which I photographed in 2010 and believe has now collapsed completely. I wonder how long ago it was built? The second picture is of a barn at Totara Flat on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. I am not sure but I think that our architect, John Scott, had this building in mind when he designed the bach we built just South of Hokitika in 1973.

This old silo has been standing for over 100 years and still looks reasonably sound although no longer used. A wonderful place for Barn Owls which we, unfortunately, do not have in New Zealand.

Exhibition Images

It was lovely when a Japanese lady visited the exhibition at Black Barn and was so enthusiastic about the work. She knew about anagama kilns and recognised the Bizen and Iga styles of our pieces.

Exhibition of Pots From The Kamaka Collection

Last Wednesday my exhibition of "Pots from The Collection" opened at the Black Barn Gallery at Havelock North. It would have been nice if you could have been there. The photo used for the invitation was taken by Derek Henderson, a professional photographer based in Sydeny, Australia. The photos on the Black Barn website (www.blackbarn.com) are all mine. Please enjoy.

Something Different

Before the season passes too far these are two images taken here recently. The two planets were clearly visable from my deck towards the end of March and looked increadable beautiful. The tiny red mushrooms were only about 40 mm. across and it was the first time I had seen them growing here. We have had a much wetter summer and autumn which may account for them being here this year.

Water Basin, Ryoanji

This lovely water basin at Ryoanji is something I used to wonder about trying to make from clay. I'm glad I did not try as I don't think it would ever have had the charm of this original. The image of the shadows seems to relate to the Ryoanji sand garden except that one is permanent and the other so fleeting.

Ryoanji, Kyoto

Ryoanji is a very well known tourist site in Kyoto. Do take time to contemplate the sand garden which is truly wonderful. The surrounding gardens are also lovely to wander through and I enjoyed my visit there very much.

Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion

The Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is a beautiful building with lovely gardens. It should be a must visit place if you ever are in Kyoto. I would love to be able to view the inside of the building - I'm sure it must be very beautiful.