Here at AFP, we are all about supporting local and showing our love for local hospitality and retail businesses through our weekly videos profiles. But, the extent to which we can all be supporting local reaches far beyond cafes and stores. It’s equally important to show some love for those working in the arts here in Pōneke and Aotearoa as a whole.

With one of our favourite Wellington events coming up at the end of the month, The NZ Art Show, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite local creators, specifically potters! Pottery and ceramic art has always been something that I love to invest in when I can, not only is it beautiful and tactile but often it can be something that gets practical use every day.

Over the years I’ve built up a nice little collection of locally made ceramics and a few years back we even went as far as investing in an entire set from our absolute favourite potter. So, if you’ve been looking to invest in some ceramics, here’s a little inspiration from my kitchen to yours…

In The Collection…

Paul Melser (Carterton)

Paul Melser is without a doubt my favourite potter! I first spotted his work at The Sherwood Hotel in Queenstown and instantly fell in love with the organic style and sturdy feel of his ceramics, they were simply a joy to eat from!

So, when we were ready to invest in a new set of plates, bowls and cups I knew they had to be from Paul Melser. We ended up driving out to his workshop in Carterton and curated our own little Paul Melser collection over a couple of visits, made equally special by seeing the space that these gorgeous pieces were made. You can find Paul Melser’s work for sale at Vessel on Victoria Street.

See Paul Melser’s Work Here

Katherine Smyth (Wellington)

Made locally here in Pōneke, Katherine Smyth’s work is so delicate and beautiful, her use of colour is like no other! We’ve built up our collection of Katherine Smyth ceramic bowls over the years, many of them thanks to some very kind Christmas gifters. You can find her work for sale at both Vessel and Small Acorns here in Wellington.

See Katherine Smyth’s Work Here

Vintage Ceramics

I’m also a big fan of vintage pottery and have acquired a nice little collection of Poole pieces over the years from various vintage stores/TradeMe. If you’re also a second-hand lover, supporting local vintage and antique stores is a great way to build up your own personal collection and keeping an eye out on TradeMe and Facebook Marketplace is always worth it for the occasional bargain! Here are some of my favourite spots to hunt for vintage ceramics…

Add+Vintage (Te Aro)
Take Me Back Vintage (Upper Hutt)
David N White Gallery (Te Aro)
Tinakori Antiques (Thorndon)

On The Wishlist…

Richard Beauchamp (Canterbury)

With a studio based in rural Canterbury, Richard Beauchamp first discovered pottery here in Wellington through a beginners class at The Wellington Potters Association. His work is both functional and beautiful, with his stacking mug design even used by Supreme Coffee in a custom collaboration.

Shop Richard Beauchamp’s Work Here

Mystery Creek Ceramics (Hamilton)

Mystery Creek Ceramics is the studio of talented potter, Alex Wilkinson. Alex creates some of the most beautiful mugs out there and if you’re looking to add a pop of colour to your mug collection, you’ve come to the right place! I’m a big fan of her Nerikomi Striped Mug, it has such a playful and joyous appearance and would be the ultimate morning coffee mug to start your day off right.

Shop Mystery Creek Ceramics Here

Yvette Van Raders (Ōpōtiki)

If you’re a fan of organic ceramics, Yvette Van Raders work is the ultimate expression of all the unpredictable yet beautiful aspects of pottery. I love the earthy and textural look of their work, each piece is truly unique and I can just imagine how gorgeous a full set from Yvette Van Raders would look displayed in the kitchen.

Shop Yvette Van Raders Work Through Vessel at 87 Victoria Street, Wellington.

Pottering Around