FAQ's

Do you have a Shop Front?

Sorry no. My shop is online. I work from my studio based in Hawea near Wanaka. People often email or call to arrange a time to see the studio and my work in person. Studio visits are by arrangement only.

 

Do you take custom orders?

At the moment, I don't. When developing a new body of work, I like to work on it from conception to completion. I find stopping to make small custom orders distracting and disrupts the flow of the creative process.

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How can I buy your work?

You can buy my work through this website or a few select galleries or retail shops. New pieces are shown on Instagram and Facebook before appearing live on my online shop. Shop updates are announced through both Instagram and Facebook.

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Why do you sign and not stamp your Maker's Mark?

I have been making ceramics for some time now; over the years, I have considered changing the way I sign my work but never committed to doing so. I usually sign my full name, Melanie dos Remedios or MdR, if the piece is small. Older work may be signed as Mel dos Remedios or have a little cottage or pine tree drawing in front of my name.

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The logic behind hand signing my pieces:

  • For me, it feels right.

  • To be distinguishable from commercially made ceramics.

  • To stay unique.

  • I hand sign like fine artists do their paintings.

 

Do you offer wholesale or consignment?

Yes occasionally.

Wholesale or consignment trade is assessed on my projected workload and my present body of work. Currently, I am expanding my designs and offering small numbers of dish-ware as limited edition pieces.

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Do you need an intern or apprentice or offer work placement?

The internship for 2021 has been filled for this year. I advertise through Facebook to fill this position. Presently I have a studio assistant who has been working with me for the last few years. I do not offer apprenticeships or work placement. However, I embrace questions from future creatives who want to know more about working as a potter in our area. And I like to encourage others who want to learn, so keep the questions coming!

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Do you offer Ceramic Courses? 

YES!

I have been overwhelmed with people asking for pottery classes. With much organising, I have managed to begin the Studio Black Clay Centre. You can view the courses available via the classes link on this website. Both hand-building and throwing courses run regularly with advertising conducted through Instagram, Facebook, and The Messenger (locally).

Past workshops have been:

  • Fundamentals of hand-building from beginner to advanced techniques.

  • Fundamentals of Wheel Throwing, an intensive for the beginner.

  • Everyday handmade, each week a new item for your handmade home.

  • Build a Dinner Set - Hand Building.