A chance encounter with a pottery wheel was the catalyst for Emma Walker's journey into the world of ceramics, where she has discovered her true calling. "I will never stop making ceramics, this is absolutely my passion and where I need to be."
Delve into the story behind Emma's creative journey with us, below.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE / HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART PRACTICE?
I am relatively new to the practice, just 3 years in, so I would describe myself as 'emerging'. I am currently focused on developing my skills in painting and carving. Ceramic underglaze is a type of paint that when used on greenware (leather hard unfired clay) will fuse into the clay when bisque fired. I love painting the details of my interpretation of the natural world, so I am experimenting with layering, blending and carving to create these images. My new pieces are focused on creating more complex scenes using sgrafitto, the practice of carving through the top layer of colour (slip or underglaze) to reveal the contrasting clay beneath.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN - WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR THE ARTS COME FROM?
It began as a quiet fascination with the natural world - collecting, observing and imagining stories within it. Finding clay became a place to give form to those ideas. It feels less like a beginning and more like something that's always been there, gradually finding its voice.
HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR CRAFT?
I am self taught. I stumbled across a community art and craft group when moving to the Far North a few years ago and for the first time in my adult life I had some spare time on my hands. I jumped on a wheel and found I couldn't stop! I was completely hooked on the entire practice. I found a few tutorials on YouTube and I was away...
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AS AN ARTIST?
When moving to The Far North myself and my husband fell in love with and bought a piece of land surrounded by DOC. It sits 600 metres above sea level with the most extraordinary views of the volcanic landscape, sea and forests which we look over. Inspiration is everywhere I turn!
WHAT ARE THE THEMES/IDEAS/INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR ARTWORKS?
There's a certain reverence I feel when in nature and my pieces are a reflection of this. My recent collection is more narrative driven, weaving ancient, mythical and living forms to evoke a world both remembered and living. I am wanting to create a quiet tension between abundance and loss. A meditation on biodiversity shadowed by the accelerating impact of climate change.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Recently I joined The Clay Centre in Ellerslie as our apartment was slowly being taken over by all things clay! I try to get there as soon as it opens. After a piece has been made, it will take approx 3-4 days to paint and carve so I am normally working on one piece at a time. Sundays I usually keep free for throwing on the wheel and any hand building I do for certain pieces.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIO/CREATIVE SPACE
The Clay Centre has a large communal warehouse for its members with some areas for smaller, more private studio space. I work on the large tables in the open plan area and try to stay close to the sinks for easy access. We each have a small shelf space, there's a lot of equipment so my car boot also doubles up as my studio overflow! It's a lovely friendly club where you can share ideas and catch up with people who share your passion.
WHAT'S YOUR COFFEE ORDER and WHAT SNACKS KEEP YOU GOING?
Chai latte or Hot chocolate, I have a big sweet tooth! I snack on fruit, nuts and miso soup through the day.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING & LIVING IN AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND)?
It has to be the unique natural scenery and availability to all. When our family emigrated to NZ 20 years ago, we shipped a VW camper with us and travelled all over NZ with it, there are not many campsites I haven't stayed in!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION OR LEGACY TO BE AS AN ARTIST?
Discovering clay felt like coming home. There was almost a sense of relief when I started to work with it, that I had potentially found a way of expressing everything I needed to at any time. The ceramicists' work I am drawn to are those that make me take a sharp intake of breath. They encompass movement, spontaneity and emotion. If ever my work could have that same impact, that would be my wish.
WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING WITH THE POI ROOM?
When I first moved back to Auckland from the Far North I stumbled across The Poi Room in Ponsonby. I was struck by the beautiful window display, in particular the ceramics of course! I couldn't think of a better way to spend my working day surrounded by the unique works of so many wonderful NZ artists. I jumped at the chance of applying to work there as soon as a position came available.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Emma!
