Discovering Contemporary New Zealand Ceramists

Richard Beauchamp has become a recognisable name in New Zealand's ceramics industry for his collaborations with the likes of Wellington Chocolate Factory, Everyday Wine, Thom Morison and various coffee roasters. Working out of an old farm shed in Christchurch, he creates some of the country's most sought-after stoneware clay mugs and other homewares. Drawing on his background in the coffee industry, Richard applies this knowledge and experience to his craft in pursuit of the perfect cup. His popularity speaks for itself, with his minimalist yet nuanced designs gaining a devoted following. Who knows? This could be your new favourite way to drink your morning brew.

Nicola Shuttleworth is a Wellington-based ceramic artist with 20 years of experience creating functional ceramics from her studio in Island Bay. Her work is characterised by warm, natural-coloured glazes and similar forms used in stacks and groups. Inspired by the early New Zealand studio potters, she works with a variety of stoneware and mid-firing clay, and even makes her own glazes. The end result is tactile and clean, with a touch of whimsy. Designed to be used and enjoyed every day, take a look if you’re in the market for a new daily drinker.

Instantly recognisable for the bright and colourful patterns and focus on simple silhouettes, Wundaire is well known as the cool and casual ceramics brand originally from Brooklyn, Wellington. Owner Felicity creates stunning work that is as much a piece of art as functional pottery, and has several high profile collabs under her belt with beloved local brands. Available in stores and online for purchase, you can even attend a private workshop at her studio in Greytown and learn some of the techniques and skills so you can give it a go yourself.

Handmade at Lucy Coote’s home studio in Berhampore, Wellington, Salad Days ceramics are elegant and tactile pieces finished in minimal, earthy tones. Designed for use and longevity, the textural style of the stoneware clay is immediately eye-catching. Lucy uses a wheel-thrown technique to create her pieces, and with a focus on functional products, including mugs, jugs, bowls, serving bowls, ramen bowls, vases and plates. It has never been easier to elevate your interior styling.

Based out of rural Tauranga, JS Ceramics produces beautiful ceramics for home and garden. Their handmade tableware, vases, serving bowls and plates are made using the slip cast production process to create delicate ceramics that are sold directly to the public via their website and the occasional studio open days in Te Puna, Tauranga.

Where form meets function, slipcast master Tim Grocott works from his home studio in Kerikeri, Northland, turning raw clay into fine ceramics. Every Taus piece is highly refined and often the result of months of work, from hand forming to sanding, finishing and creating the moulds that allow perfect reproduction every time. Launched in 2011 with the success of his flagship hip flask, Tim has gone from strength to strength, with his pièce de résistance being the recently-completed Taus chess set.

Registered architect by day, ceramic artist by night, Betty Chung creates beautifully sculptural yet functional objects. Commissioned around the world by restaurants, cafes and even a 60m superyacht, her bold and colourful range has also been exhibited and sold in galleries both locally and abroad. Learn the hand build technique she uses by attending one of her workshops, or browse the pieces for sale on her website that include scented candles and jewellery.

Beautifully decorated and finished ceramics in an eclectic range of finishes to suit any taste. With everything from earrings to serveware and the best ANZAC poppy brooches we’ve ever seen, Claybird Ceramics does it all. Not to be missed are the highly sought after ring cones and large mugs with oversized handles (so you can actually get a good grip on your hot beverage of choice).

Crafting lovely and simple soap dishes finished in bold earthy tones, Misma Anaru ceramics are the perfect addition to any bathroom or kitchen to add a touch of functional style without fuss.

Photo: Everyday Needs

Jino Jeong ceramics bridge the gap perfectly between sculpture and homeware, characterised by simple forms and intricate geometric patterning that emboldens the shape of each piece. There are some really unique items here, including the intriguing nesting bowls titled ‘Accumulation’.

Rustic and durable kitchenware, planters and sculptural vases crafted by hand to reveal the natural textures and colours of the clay. There are some really interesting forms in Kirsten Dryburgh’s collection, each one hand-thrown with hand-built touches making each piece as original as the last.

Photo: Precinct35

From clean lines to unique textured mugs, Boo celebrates the slow process of pottery, enjoying every stage of the craft from start to finish. With playful product names like ‘Tammy’ and ‘Gus’ and a love for speckled clay and clear glaze, they have everything from a quirky ‘Chain Vase’ to the oh-so-inviting chips and dip bowl for that classic Kiwi party snack. Made and fired in Wellington, Boo keeps the handcraft of ceramics alive and well in the capital.