Artist

  • Sam Duckor-Jones
tsbbankwallaceartscentre.org.nz

First I Lay With Adam by Sam Duckor-Jones is a personal response to Pride and queerness. His installation features large ceramic vases in neon pink, alongside tiny close-up drawings of hair and skin, crammed into former domestic spaces of the historic Pah Homestead.

“My queerness bewilders me. Plus, I’m an occasional recluse. This isn’t conducive to reciprocal love or even satisfactory levels of handholding. I make art about it to try and obtain a little objectivity. I worry that if I stop it might become overwhelming. I made a lot of nude sculptures, for example, hoping for a miracle. But there’s been no miracle. Like, if you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else, ay Rupaul. So here is a closer exam slash personal reality check. Like, if you love clay so much, Sam, make a pot, son, & don’t expect it to love you back. A helpful meditation. Deep breaths round a fundamental form, sticky beginning, gestural yawn."

Sam Duckor-Jones makes ceramics and writes from his home in Featherston, Wairarapa. He examines queerness, intimacy and voice in his work. He has exhibited extensively across New Zealand and a new major public work – eight large ceramic figures – was installed at Wellington Airport in January 2019. Sam is represented by Bowen Galleries.

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm
  • Saturday - Sunday 8am - 5pm

Address

  • 72 Hillsborough Road
  • Auckland 1345