ROBYN KUNIN - 2016
Ceramic Artist 

HOW WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK AND WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR EARLY EXPLORATION OF IT?

My love of clay began while teaching art classes for children.  We made tiles, fish, and nikau palms.  I became intrigued as I explored the possibilities the medium offers.   Pinch pots, creatures, slab vessels, wall hangings and work with textures - I loved it. It was only a matter of months before it became a consuming passion.  With the enthusiastic support of my husband and friends, primary teaching gradually gave way to a new career as a full time ceramic artist.

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

My work has evolved over time.  I strive to create designs and patterns that tell a story. Hand-worked embroidery from the 1950’s and 60’s finds new life in my pieces, and it gives me pleasure to re-use these beautiful and often overlooked examples of art created by woman.

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

My studio sits nestled beside my home. I look out on gardens and trees. Birdsong is the soundtrack of my working life,  along with Jessie Muligan (Radio NZ), and music of my choice.  Most of my days are spent in this space and I am very aware of how privileged and lucky I am to live and work in this environment.

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO SEE WHEN THEY POP BY YOUR STUDIO DURING OPEN STUDIOS WAITAKERE? 

During Open Studios Waitakere I will have a range of work available. Everyone is welcome to come and see my work, and the beautiful place where it is created.

NAME YOUR TOP 5 SECRET SPOTS YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN THE WAITAKERE RANGES?

I have lived in my home for over 30 years and love the West- wonderful bush walks, primeval beaches and ‘salt of the earth’ people. My favorite place in the Waitakere Ranges is my home and studio, closely followed by the bush tracks around the Filter Station at the end of my road, Christian Road. These places help me to hold the history of my family and friends in my heart.