Driving Creek Updates:

Upcoming Workshops with Shinsuke (Jackie) Iwami and Callum Trudgeon

We are thrilled to announce that renowned Japanese potter Shinsuke (Jackie) Iwami will teach a 5-day course on Large Plate Making Using a Slow-Speed Pottery Wheel at Driving Creek in October. For Iwami-san, pottery is a way of exploring how to live – drawing on what’s immediately at hand, working with as little stress as possible, and sharing what he discovers with the people who eventually hold his work. This workshop offers a rare chance to learn that philosophy directly, alongside the technical skill behind it.

In November lead potter Callum Trudgeon will be taking the Two Week Wood Firing Pottery Experience. The course concentrates on wheel throwing and explores various decorating techniques, including the use of slips, and culminates in a wood firing in the Phoenix soda kiln. With over a decade of experience, including apprenticing and working at the Leach Pottery in St. Ives for eight years, Callum brings a wealth of knowledge to the course.

From the Collection | Ceramics Pottery

Our current exhibition, From the Collection | Pottery, curated by Karl Fritsch, brings together a selection of ceramic works from the Driving Creek collections. As the home of the former New Zealand Ceramic Heritage Trust collection, Driving Creek holds an important record of New Zealand pottery. Barry Brickell was a trustee of the NZCHT and a passionate advocate for preserving New Zealand’s ceramic heritage. The exhibition showcases works spanning the past century and beyond, with a particular focus on studio pottery from the 1970s and 1980s. From full-blown pottery nerds to the pottery-curious, there is something here for everyone.

From the Collection | Pottery runs in the Driving Creek Gallery until 29 August. The gallery is open Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 3pm, with free entry. It will also be open daily during the school holidays (4 – 19 July), with a family-friendly interactive guide available for visitors.

Introducing Iona Mattheson

Our team has grown – we are delighted to welcome ceramic artist Iona Mattheson on board as our newly appointed Gallery Lead and Collections Support. Iona first connected with Driving Creek through an artist residency several years ago. She joins us from her previous role as Education Manager at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, bringing extensive experience in gallery education and public engagement, alongside a deep knowledge of ceramics. Since arriving, she has already shared her expertise through a number of handbuilding workshops.

Iona’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for our gallery as we continue to develop our exhibitions and strengthen engagement with the local and wider arts community in Aotearoa. Iona will be working alongside the Tāmaki Makarau based art conservation practice Studio Izzo, who we are contracting to support the maintenance and preservation of the DCR collection.

Recent Residents

In May and June we hosted resident artists Sarah Harrison (Aotea), Andreja Benedejčič (Slovenia), Rebecca Mackenzie (Haumoana), Alana Wilson (NSW), Wyatt Stebbins (USA), Louise Pickford (Ōpōtiki), Helena Terry (Tāmaki Makaurau), Mahalia Lackner (NSW) and Mel Mepham (Whanganui). Read more about our residents at drivingcreek.nz/journal.

We are currently accepting applications for residencies between April and June 2027. Applications close 30 September. For more information and to apply, visit drivingcreek.nz/artists-in-residence.

Ngā mihi nui, The Driving Creek Pottery Team