Welcome to My Pottery Studio

Wilma J Design

JOURNEY

I’ve always created, whether it was from the mud resulting from the seasonal rains on my childhood Caribbean Island of Curacao, the sands on beaches, painting, or fabric.

Ceramics added a layer of depth and permanence to my artwork. In particular, as challenging as it can be, I love the dimension of the glazes, and how they interact in the firing with clay and textures.

For me, this medium has evolved into a way of life. I could further explore the qualities, as well as having the opportunity to have a home-based business.

In the early seventies, information in this field was very limited, and in a lot of cases, secretive.  The origins of books available were from overseas and ingredients for glaze recipes had to be adjusted to New Zealand resources.

The then established potters, who are actually the founding fathers of the pottery movement in New Zealand, just experimented on a grand scale, and boldly carved their own success.

My drive came from wanting the duality, to create and earn a living.

My first kiln was electric, I wanted to have some kind of consistency and control over end results. At that time, not to fire in a gas, wood or diesel kiln was slightly frowned upon. In electric firing, having no open flame, or the ability to play with molten glazes by throwing different items into a blazing furnace meant you’re not really doing it. It was a matter of putting more skill and effort into the glazing application to obtain gorgeous results.

I also had no idea about marketing, and literally went to the library to do research. The one book that changed my life was called Guerilla Marketing by JC Levinson.

It was not only the information, but also the change of attitude and framing of what needed to be done.

  • I have done a clay workshop WITH wilma in the past. She is clear in what we were going to achieve with good instructions. I enjoyed the experience as the environment was nice. Wilma was very good at offering advice to help me achieve a good outcome for my clay pieces.

    Lyn Scott

  • I attended one workshop to make Humperdink Houses and another for poppies. I loved them both. Previously I had done some claywork. Wilma was well prepared for each class, ensuring all participants had success. Creativity/individuality was encouraged and supported by Wilma. I left each class feeling it was my work, as Wilma answered my endless questions but did not complete my work for me. Once glazed, the pieces took on their own personality. I have proudly included all my pieces in my garden, and am proud to show others what I have made.

    Judith Kilgour

  • Never having done any claywork before I opted for a themed workshop, so I had some expectation. The instructions suited me and Wilma was supportive in encouraging me with some suggestions how to enhance my project. I loved how my pieces turned out.

    Carol Biggar

  • I had done some clay art work a long time ago, and knew what to expect re: process, but a model horse challenge was a nice surprise. Wilma is a patient and encouraging teacher, with great advice. It was definitely a relaxing environment, the most relaxed I had felt all week! My horse started to look a little stumpy and Wilma saved the day with some leg extensions. I was able to design my project as I saw fit and was pleased and surprised with what I could make in less than 2 hours. I would you do this again, and recommend it to others. It was a fantastic morning and keen to do more!

    Isaac Whatnall

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, iCLAW
  • Never having touched clay before, it was all very new to me. Wilma's instructions were just right. She had her work cut out on the day, but there was great encouragement from her, as well as the other participants. The introduction was good and then help along the way. I was assisted to develop my ideas for my truly unique piece. Although Wilma showed us an example of what we would be making, we were left to develop something individual to ourselves. My result was by no means a masterpiece, I was pleased I was able to complete something close to resembling a horse, (donkey). I would do it again and recommend it. It isn’t so much about making something of art gallery standard, it was the giving it a go and sharing in an experience that was the most beneficial. I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to give this a go, and thank Wilma for her time and patience in helping me on the day.

    Graham Roberts

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners
  • I hadn't done any clay work before, and didn't know what to expect. Wilma's instructions were perfect, it was an encouraging environment, and along the way receiving some valuable gems of wisdom! Im surprised... it actually looked like a horse...of sorts! This is a great creative space to be in - Go For Gold! It was a Brilliant event and I am really glad I got involved.

    Wayne Cooney

    Participating in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, Wise Cover & Advice. (Insurance Adviser)