Christine Boswijk

Christine Lynn Boswijk (née McDowell; born 1939) is a New Zealand ceramicist. Her works are held in institutions both in New Zealand and internationally including in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Dowse Art Museum, the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Suter Art Gallery, the Museum of Taipei and the Aberystwyth University ceramics collection.

Early life and family Boswijk was born in Christchurch in 1939, the daughter of Edna Frances (née King) and the Reverend Matthew Alexander McDowell. Boswijk originally worked as a dental nurse before decided at the age of 37 to train as a ceramicist. Boswijk's grandson Dok was a motorcycle salesman in Wellington, and died in a motorcycle crash on 7 November 2022.

Career She graduated from Otago Polytechnic School of Fine Art with a diploma in ceramics in 1977. After completing her diploma she returned to Nelson and became a full time potter producing ware intended for domestic use. Her time at the National Art School changed her approach to her art, including ensuring the firing process played a more pivotal role in the creation of her pieces.

During her four decade long career Boswijk forged a reputation for being one of New Zealand's most acclaimed ceramic artists. Her work is held in the collections of many New Zealand, as well as international institutions, such as the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Dowse Art Museum, the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Suter Art Gallery, the Museum of Taipei, Kisses, Crosses and Flowers in 2007, at Milford Galleries, Queenstown and Before Words, in 2010 at Woollaston Estate, Nelson.

In 2020, the Suter Art Gallery held a retrospective exhibition on Boswijk's career that included many of her works created during her 40-year career.

Exhibitions

2020, Thinking Through My Hands The Suter Art Gallery, Nelson. 2010 Before Words Woollaston Estate, Nelson. 2004, Fact Fusion Faith The Suter Art Gallery, Nelson. 1992, Treasures of the Underworld Seville World Expo, Seville, Spain.