Foraged Clay

I use clays from all around Aotearoa that I have gathered, incorporating them into much of my work. When I first began using foraged clay, I did a lot of processing and sieving to make the clays more easily workable. I still do this with some clays, but I also really enjoy working with clay in as natural a state as possible, allowing the rough textures to show through in my work.

The clay I use often contains mineral chunks, pieces of rock, or embedded iron. I throw the clay very slowly on my wheel, allowing these elements to remain. They might tear holes or leave cracks or scars on the surface, which I find adds a unique look and feel to the piece.

Sometimes I remove large chunks and add them back to the surface of my piece. Occasionally, I incorporate bits of old rust, tumbled glass from the beach, or shells before firing.

I also make slips and glazes out of clay, keeping my work as close to nature as possible, both in its production and aesthetic.