Michael Robinson – Wellington-based artist:

“My porcelain tableware is wheel thrown – on a 15-degree angle or more – to create unique organic sculptural shapes”

Michael Robinson – functional ceramic tableware:

“My current work consists of a beautiful tension, with leans and yearns. Although it’s art, I want each piece to be enjoyed every day.”

I adore Wellington. It’s an inspirational place to be as an artist.

I call my Wellington studio ‘The Ceramistry’ as it’s a place where creativity, craftsmanship and experimentation all swirl together with clay, glazes and temperatures.

My approach

Placing the base of my wheel on angles makes throwing ceramics even more challenging – but it creates these interesting angles you can’t get otherwise. Its something that challenges me each time, as I push each piece to its technical limits.
Porcelain enables a thin, delicate, transparent quality which enhances the tension and stress seen in each of my forms.

My process

Although I trained in fine art, I worked overseas in Scotland and Dublin as a production potter – which installed in me a desire to make functional objects that are also pieces of art. Each item leads to the next as I keep exploring shapes, colours, shadows and angles of subtle beauty.
Although each piece is sculptural. It also has to be functional. Each piece must be a joy to use – and be practical.

Each day is spent, tumbling and fumbling and extending on what I learnt the day before.

As a production potter I was taught how to throw 100 identical cups. These days, I try something different with each one, so each object represents an evolving phase in my journey.