Born in Nelson 1968. Owen was raised in Richmond , near Nelson where he enjoyed a marvellous childhood of fishing , gardening , playing with sticks and partaking in every sport that was going. With his brother as worthy opposition , many a cricket test was played on the back lawn of their family home which was orange with a green roof.

He attended school on nearly all occasions and in the winter liked to be first there so as on his way he had the whole untouched sports field to scuff patterns in the frost.

After doing a little clay work in his final year of school ,Owen managed to get work in the pottery studio of Peter Gibbs and Julie Warren. From here he moved to work and train with Royce McGlashen in Brightwater.Whilst working for Royce during the day, Owen would spend his own time developing a range of pottery for himself and working on art pieces for local and national ceramic exhibitions.

After 5 years at McGlashen Pottery, Owen went to see the world , working in a pottery in North Yorkshire in England , teaching in Connecticut , U.S.A. and working in the hosiery department at Harrods.

On return to New Zealand in 1997 Owen Bartlett Pottery was established.Owen produces a range of handmade , designer tableware and does some limited edition sculptural clay art pieces for exhibition and competitions.

In 1998 he met Katie Gold who is a clay artist of some note and in 2000 they purchased a 110 year old house in Upper Moutere Village where they share a studio and gallery.The house is white with a blue roof and there is over an acre of garden with some 200 roses . Their two marvellous cats and a cheeky little dog live here too , and they plan to live happily ever after.

Awards:

2001. Nelson Potters Association . - Craftsmanship award

2001. Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Awards - Creative Excellence

2001. NZSP National Exhibition - Excellence Award

2005. Urban Life National Art Awards – Supreme Award

2006. Portage Ceramic Awards - runner up

2009. Waiclay Ceramic Awards - Premier Award