Kiln Studio & Hot Clay
New generation of creatives
Kiln Studio
New generation of creatives
Tom Baker and Jamie Smith, run Hot Clay and Kiln Studio in Nelson, New Zealand. Their Instagram handle, @hotclaypotdealers, reflects their sense of humor and passion for ceramics. Friends since they shared a flat in Wellington almost 15 years ago, their bond has grown into a business partnership and various creative collaborations, including Nelson’s inaugural Clay Week.
Initially, Tom and Jamie operated their studios there but recently moved to the rear of Hot Clay Gallery on Hardy Street to free up space for residents. Tom says,
We're trying to make Kiln Studio more of its own kind of community and moving here gives us the opportunity to put more energy into the gallery and Hot Clay, and whatever the future of it is. He humorously adds that visitors could have “pot while you wait, in four to six weeks."
Their journey with pottery began in 2008 when Tom was studying fine arts and Jamie moved into his flat. Both had early exposure to pottery through family members. Despite their initial curiosity, they didn't pursue pottery seriously until they joined Auckland Potters in 2015. Encouraged by their tutors, they spent significant time honing their skills in the studio. Tom notes, “We’re good friends with Suzy [Dünser] and she’s been quite an influence for many potters in New Zealand.”
Jamie, working for his ceramicist mother Amber Smith, found a potential studio space during the lockdown. Tom, living in Australia after studying ceramics in Japan, returned to New Zealand to help Jamie set up the studio. Jamie recalls,
Originally the idea was that it would be a space for people to run their own workshops but that didn’t work out. Herding creatives is like herding cats.
Their business journey included taking over Origin on Hardy, a craft gallery. Learning to run a gallery and business was challenging, but they persevered. The second lockdown allowed them to renovate and rebrand the space as Kiln Gallery. Recognizing the declining number of venues for potters in Nelson, they transformed it into Hot Clay, focusing on ceramics. Tom says, “The building itself is awesome, it’s quite old and has got heaps of history.”
The event, organized with Arts Council Nelson, aimed to revive the local pottery community and connect emerging and established potters. Despite initial nervousness about reaching out to renowned potters, Tom and Jamie received overwhelming support. Tom reflects, “Very quickly, I realized the pedestal didn’t exist. Potters are people too. It’s been really lovely, a fast-tracked way to being introduced to the core community.”
Kiln Studio and Hot Clay serve as community hubs for potters, providing facilities and fostering connections. Tom and Jamie's dedication to ceramics extends beyond their own work; they are committed to passing on their skills and building a supportive community. Tom mentions,
We really liked the idea of being a community and being a space where potters could meet. I’m not from Nelson but it felt quite isolated; a lot of the old potters were just doing their own thing. It didn’t seem like there was a hub.
Running two significant spaces and planning festivals keeps them extremely busy. Tom says, “Every hour is accounted for at the moment, which is fantastic; you sleep when you’re dead, I suppose.” He emphasizes the importance of being prolific, “Whilst you can, you’ve got to make your work because it doesn’t last forever and it’s the only way to push yourself, get better and develop; you’ve got to make lots.”
Kiln Studio accommodates both permanent and occasional artists, offering essential resources like wheels, kilns, and glazing materials. This setup supports artists in becoming semi-professional or professional without the need for substantial initial investment. Tom points out,
Unless you have $40,000 capital, you can’t set up a studio and there’s limited physical space, and kiln space, at the community potteries. You can’t make a living from 10 mugs.
Tom and Jamie’s vision is to provide opportunities for potters to thrive and maintain a vibrant ceramic art community in Nelson.