Shannon Courtenay is an inspiring New Zealand ceramicist. I am very excited to share Shannon’s work and introduce her to the Sunday Projects Journal.

I first met Shannon when I participated in one of her ceramics workshops at her beautiful studio in Cardrona Valley. She is a calm, easygoing teacher and I was immediately inspired by her unique ceramics and the peaceful studio space she has created.

Shannon grew up in Matakana, north of Auckland and completed her bachelor of fine arts at Auckland University. She has been working with clay for the past 6 years, beginning her study with Anthony Morris (Morris and James, Matakana) as her mentor and continuing her studies at Elam School of Fine Arts. Shannon now has her own stunning ceramics studio where she creates elegant work to sell in stores and galleries.

Shannon’s ceramics include works that are sculptural as well as more functional pieces, using a slip cast technique to replicate real-life objects in an unexpected way. Her sculptural work has a strong focus on the connections between river ecology, water levels and water quality.

As well as her artistic pieces, Shannon also creates jewellery and a range of practical ceramics designed to be used in the home. Her collection Thrifted includes a series of colourful plates, tumblers, goblets and bowls, all of them reproductions of vintage items. I love the goblets in particular and the clay glaze colours Shannon uses are delicious!

If you ever get the opportunity to undertake a ceramics workshop with Shannon, I highly recommend it! I hope Shannon’s space and work inspires you to pursue a creative venture that you have had brewing for a while.

Why did you choose ceramics as a medium? Was it something you always wanted to do?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a creative career. I fell in love with the process of ceramics while I was assisting Ant in his studio - although it was a few years before I carried that over into my studies at Elam. I still enjoy other mediums like painting and digital work, but ceramics is definitely my preferred way of exploring concepts.

What do you wish you knew before developing your own studio? Any gems of wisdom for people wanting to start their own entrepreneurial or creative journeys?

Think about how you want a studio space to work for you in the future, not just now. Work hard, put yourself out there and be patient. Also, you can learn a lot from others. Listen, read and surround yourself with what interests you. One podcast I’d recommend is ‘Art Biz’ by Alison Stanfield.

Could you describe your favourite project you have going at the moment?

I have this idea for a solo exhibition that I have been working on for a while now. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is a continuation of my research surrounding the Cardrona River with ideas of value (gold), precious resources (water) and exploitation of people and resources specifically around the Otago Gold Rush.

Working as an artist is largely an individual pursuit. How do you maintain motivation and work/life balance?

Definitely! I find doing things that are a physical challenge to me are an important part of keeping my mind healthy and motivated. In the winter this is skiing and all year round it’s going to the gym. These things also encourage me to interact with other people, which is way too easy for me to avoid if I’m just in the studio all day.

Your sculptural work has a strong focus on the connections between river ecology, water levels and water quality. Why is this a focus for you?

It really strikes me how vital these waterways are for our everyday life and how much we take them for granted. I want to say something with the work I make. I know I’m not solving any issues around the river but I hope to make people think about the way we are treating precious resources.

‘Sustainable’ is a bit of a buzzword these days. What does sustainability mean for you?

I think in terms of consumerism, sustainability is choosing something that is going to last you a long time. And I always think if you spend some time choosing an item whether it be a piece of beautiful linen clothing or ceramic tableware, that you will really take care of it and in turn it will last longer.

You are constantly creating new designs and experimenting with new techniques. What inspires you to create new things? What artists do you look to for inspiration?

I think this is largely because my favourite part of the process is the experimentation and finding something new. It’s exciting! Especially mixing new colours into the clay. There is suspense because it takes a few weeks to see the final colour come out of the kiln. Sometimes it will be a complete failure but other times something unexpected and wonderful happens! I think that feeling is addictive.

Liz Larner, Richard Long and Kate Newby are a few artists that come to mind.

You have done so much at such a young age! What do you envision for your future? Share some 2022 goals

with us!

First of all, thanks! This is something I don’t really consider because there is still so much I want to do. This year I want to work with more creative people and focus a little more on exploring concepts through sculpture and installation.

What is a quality that you look for in people you surround yourself with? Why?

People that make me laugh at myself. I appreciate people who can snap me out of a serious mindset and remind me to laugh!

Shannon wears her own earrings with the Barry Unisex Pants in Baba Ganoush & Oatmeal with the White Singlet and the Oatmeal Short Sleeve Shirt (all of which you can find in the shop).

Follow Shannon and her beautiful creations on her Instagram @shannoncourtenayceramics for tableware, @shannoncourtenayartist for sculpture.