Ata Ceramics began its life as a studio for Grace Uivel ceramics in 2017, and has evolved into a busy and thriving community of both accomplished and budding potters, a place for in-depth clay learning and a space for the retail of ceramic work of the highest quality and craftsmanship.
The teaching studio provides space for skilled teachers to offer term based classes and workshops, teachers currently utilizing the space for their classes are Coralie Winn, Grace Uivel, Stephanie Nixon and Michael Hobbs.
ATA STUDIO
Kaupapa
People of Ata Ceramics
Owner / Studio Potter / Tutor
Grace Uivel
Grace Uivel is a potter working in Ōhinehou from her studio and shop Ata Ceramics. She pairs a backbone of craftsmanship as a potter with an experimental approach to materials.
Grace was taught by master potter Frederika Ernsten over 7 years and has been teaching pottery herself for more than 10 years.
Studio management / Pottery Tutor
@winnceramics
Coralie is a Ōhinehou Lyttelton-based potter who creates bespoke ceramics whilst also teaching at and looking after the Ata teaching studio. Coralie loves seeing her students improve, inspiring them to practice, learn and develop.
She uses a range of NZ clays in her work and is interested in ash glazes and firing in reduction atmospheres when she can. She was taught by Gael Abraham.
Pottery Tutor
Michael Jay Hobbs
Micheal is a potter, based in Ōhinehou - Lyttelton. Studying under tutor and mentor, Grace Uivel (owner and studio potter at Ata Ceramics).
He comes to pottery from a career in hospitality. Which informs the work he makes, and the way he throws. He likes to make functional work, that feels good in the hand, and enjoys everyday use
The traditions of the craft are important to his work and teaching.
Pottery Tutor
Stephanie Nixon
Stephanie was surprised to find not every family had a printing press and oil paints on their dining-room table. She picked up a love of ceramics from her mother, artist Nan Crawley, and has worked with clay on and off since her early teens.
Making Potters out of People
Ata studio seeks to teach students the skills and in-depth knowledge needed to express themselves through their ceramic work and if compelled to, eventually become potters themselves.
Many students have been with Ata since it opened and some of whom are now retailing their work in the shop. This full circle from beginner student to working craftsperson is the essence of the studio's philosophy.