SHIBUI Issue 2

Where are you from originally and
where are you based now?
I was born in New Plymouth, Taranaki,
which is a small beachside town on
the west coast of the north island of
New Zealand.
I lived there for 21 years, after which I
moved to Victoria and eventually the
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
You came to pottery in a very unusual
way. Can you tell us a little more
about that?
I nursed for 29 years in a
Neurosurgical Department and at
the age of 36 was diagnosed with a
rare form of heart disease. Because
of its rarity it took around 10 years to
diagnose.
The diagnosis has been very
restrictive and I can no longer
exercise. It’s exacerbated by extreme
heat or cold. As a result I am in
hospital quite regularly.
Your style is incredibly unique – was
that a direction you wanted to take or
did it happen organically?
I have always been drawn to
anything with texture, anything
handmade and quirky. I guess you
could say it happened organically.
What’s the thinking behind the rustic
quality of your work?
Being born in NZ and spending most
of my childhood on my friends’
farms and owning a horse, I have
always had a love for barns, country
style, vintage, antiques; essentially
anything rustic. Travelling is also a
huge inspiration as I love to collect
handmade pieces from the places
I visit. I am always on the lookout for
textural pieces that I can use on my
clay. Even my husband finds pieces
for me now.
What drew you to pottery and how did
you go about learning the art form?
It was always on my bucket list to
try pottery. I am one of those crafty
girls who is always cross stitching,
crocheting or dying fabrics! My
friends have always teased me and
said you are like an old lady, but
once I started pottery I was hooked. I
also realised that while my mind was
actively engaged in pottery, I soon
forgot about the possibility of having
a heart attack.
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sandra tyson S H I B U I 33