MELISSA HASTINGS | SHAW ROAD CERAMICS

HOW WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK/ARTISTIC PRACTICE?

 As I child I went to a wonderful rural arts centre in the southwest of England and developed a love for the magic of clay from a young age. My family home is still filled with those strange and wonderful creations. I was introduced to it at a higher level during my Foundation Art studies. I then took a different path into design but am thrilled that life has led me back to this place. 

HOW HAS YOUR  WORK/ARTISTIC PRACTICE CHANGED AND DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS? WHAT FACTORS DO YOU THINK AFFECTED THIS?

I loved studying Theatre design in London, but when I arrived in New Zealand in the late 90s the film industry was really starting to take off and I was welcomed into a blossoming family of creative people.

Later with the arrival of my children and a move out to Piha it meant that I struggled to keep up with the crazy long hours. At this point, I transitioned into a more educational role which also fulfilled my passion for environmental art. This led to mentoring the amazing rangatahi of Kākano Youth Arts Collective at Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson. This turned out to be one of the best learning experiences of my life and really demonstrated how effective art can be in helping those who struggle to communicate and be seen due to various challenges in their lives.

When COVID-19 rendered us temporarily jobless I created a studio in my garage and this year I decided to move into my home studio full-time and really immerse myself in the never-ending learning that is the world of ceramics. 

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHERE YOU WORK FROM? WHAT DO YOU FIND SPECIAL ABOUT LIVING OUT WEST? 

I am lucky enough to work from my studio out the back of our property in Oratia which we just extended into my poor husband’s woodshed. This means I can run a studio shop from the same space which enables my customers to experience where the work is made and really touch and hold the pieces which I really like.

I love living more rurally and the neverending inspiration nature provides. But by also being on the fringe of New Zealand’s largest city I truly feel I can benefit from the best of both worlds and most importantly I never want to be far from the sea.

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO SEE WHEN THEY VISIT YOUR STUDIO DURING OSW? 

Visitors to Open Studio will see my working studio nestled amongst the old apple orchards of Oratia. Last year I said I would be working on a piece during the weekend but I ended up talking with so many fantastic people that this was never possible. Who knows this year, I will try it again.

My shop will be open with a range of different pieces. I will also save up any samples and seconds for the bargain hunters of course.

My talented sister from Poppy and Sage based in Karekare will join me on the Saturday with her beautiful handmade beeswax candles to complement a new candlestick range I am currently developing.

NAME YOUR FAVOURITE SECRET SPOTS YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN THE WAITAKERE RANGES

I am far too loyal to give away secret spots but I have to say Karekare for me is one of the most magical places on earth. I was lucky enough to bring my young children up there. The community are doing it tough there at the moment and non-residents still can’t visit, but if you want a place that literally takes your breath away every time you visit that would be it for me.

You can meet visit Melissa at 27 Shaw Road, Oratia.

Photos by: Charlotte Church
www.alittlebit.co.nz