Who We Are
Rosy & Rich (Rosie Parsonson & Richard Darbyshire)
Rosy & Rich are Tai Tokerau-based artists working from their studio at the Quarry Arts Centre, Whangārei. Formed in 2013, their partnership unites Parsonson’s refined graphic line and painterly sensibility with Darbyshire’s mastery of form, scale, and ceramic technique. Together, they create contemporary ceramic works that explore myth, culture, and the human condition through layered surface and sculptural presence.
Their collaborative process begins in shared dialogue—sometimes debate—rooted in art history, observation and influence. Darbyshire’s thrown and hand-built vessels establish the form, while s Parsonson’s etched, carved and painted imagery animates the surface. The result is a synthesis of art and craft—works that balance ornament and function, reverence and irreverence, the classical and the contemporary.
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Richard Darbyshire has exhibited widely in New Zealand. His tree-scape paintings of the 2000s were highly regarded, leading to representation by prominent Auckland galleries. A subsequent return to ceramics has resulted in an original and provocative body of work. Dedication to the craft has seen a steady progress of ambition, technical expertise and scale.
Richard was born in Hamilton in 1973, has a Diploma in 3D Design ceramics major from Waikato Polytechnic, 1995, Advanced Diploma in Art and Craft a painting major from Hungry Creek Art and Craft School, 2002, BAA in Visual Arts from NorthTec, 2011, and Elam postgraduate studies, 2014.
Aside from being a practicing ceramic artist, Richard is the Quarry Arts Centre Kiln technician with wide experience in different types of kilns and firing processes. Having run the ceramic department at Hungry Creek Art & Craft School for many years, and tutored and trained in different ceramic environments he has developed a strong passion for kilns in the community, their preservation and accessibility.
Rosie Parsonson background is in painting, printmaking and ceramics, but it’s as an illustrator and painter on canvas and ceramics that her talents have become known in New Zealand. She has exhibited in solo and group shows around the country. Her hallmark is a sensuous line that expresses her interests in myth, nature and culture.
Rosie was born in Auckland in 1987, currently working out of Studio 11 at the Quarry Arts Centre alongside her partner Richard Darbyshire. She has a Diploma in a ceramics & painting major from Hungry Creek Art & Craft School, 2009 and a BAA in Visual Arts from North Tec, 2011, and a Diploma in Jewellery from Hungry Creek Art & Craft School.
Through their practice, Rosy & Rich continue to shape a unique visual language—one that celebrates collaboration, craftsmanship, and the enduring dialogue between surface and form.
ROSY & RICH CV
Rosy & Rich Solo exhibitions
2025 July - Rosy & Rich, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangārei.
2023 November - Precious Vessels, Makers Gallery - The Clay Centre, Auckland.
2022 November - Studio Strays & Wildlings, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Whangarei.
2022 September - The Pups, WORLD Brand NZ, wellington.
2021 February - The Old Gods, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Auckland Art Fair 2021.
2019 September - Life is Beautiful, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Whangarei.
2017 September - Guerrilla, A Rosy & Rich Hit & Run, Joel & Zair, Whangarei.
2017 May - Life is Rosy & Rich with Adult Friends, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2016 November - Rosy & Rich, David Lloyd Gallery, Hamilton.
2016 November - Rosy & Rich @ M11, M11 Studio, Auckland.
2015 April - Welcome to the world, Hungry Creek Gallery, Auckland.
2012 August - Queen and Country, Geoff Wilson Gallery, Whangarei.
Group Exhibitions
2025 October - 61st Ceramics New Zealand National Exhibition, Pah Homestead, Auckland
2025 August - Studio Artists 25, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangārei.
2025 July - Manawa Tea Bowl, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangārei.
2025 May - Sculpture Northland 25, Quarry Gardens, Whangārei
2025 April - Blue, Utopia Gallery, Whanganui.
2025 February - Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2025, Whakatāne Art Gallery, Whakatāne.
2024 December - CUP 24, Kina Gallery, New Plymouth.
2024 September - Uku Ceramic Awards 2024, The Hastings Community Arts Centre, Hawke’s Bay.
2024 September - The Night, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2024 August - Studio Artists 24, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangārei.
2024 April - Time & Place collection, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Aotearoa Art Fair, Auckland.
2024 March - Art Before Breakfast, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Whangārei.
2023 December - Cup 23, Kina Gallery, New Plymouth.
2023 November - Waiclay National Ceramics Awards, ArtsPost, Hamilton.
2023 August: Monstrum, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Whangarei.
2023 May: Studio Artists 23, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2023 February: The Square, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2022 November: Portage 22 ceramic awards, Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, Auckland.
2022 June: Studio Artists 22, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2021 December: Megan Dickinson Artists 21, Megan Dickinson Gallery, Whangarei.
2021 June: Studio Artists 21, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2020 September: Wallace Art Awards, Pah Homestead, Auckland.
2020 August: Studio Artists 2020, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2019 May: Studio Artists 2019, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2018 November - Portage 18 ceramic awards, Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, Auckland.
2018 September - Tooth & Nail, Whangarei Art Museum, Whangarei.
2018 January - Nowhere to Somewhere, Paul Nache Gallery, Gisborne.
2016 January - Represent, Studio Holders Annual Exhibition, Yvonne Rust Gallery, Whangarei.
2014 February - From There to Here, Estuary Art Centre, Orewa, Auckland.
Awards
2025: Finalist – 61st Ceramics New Zealand National Exhibition. Humming Ghost Urn
2025: Finalist - Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 25. Dusk
2024: Finalist - Uku Ceramic Awards 2024. Ash Kisses
2023: Finalist - Waiclay National Ceramics Awards. Creature of the nature. Highly Commended Award.
2022: Finalist - Portage 22 Ceramics Awards. Queenie.
2020: Finalist - Wallace Art Awards. Underdog.
2018: Finalist - Portage 18 Ceramics Awards. Nobody's Bitch.
2015: Finalist - WSA Painting and Printmaking Awards
Artist Residencies
2025: Driving Creek Artist Residencies - Coromandel New Zealand September 1st – 28th