Elizabeth Walker is a Ceramic Artist based in Wainui, Auckland.

Elizabeth began working with clay in 1985 taking night classes and later set up her own home studio.  From 2003 she ran her studio, taught classes and workshops and opened her gallery, Crater Rim Ceramic Art, part time from her family home in Teddington on Banks Peninsula while raising her young family of 6 children.

Her work focused on forms that brought a sense of quiet through smooth burnished surfaces and textures inviting a tactile experience when holding or touching.  Elizabeth specialised in the process of ‘Naked Raku’ in which smoke decorates the surface of the clay using sacrificial slip resists and also burning horsehair to make marks. She also used local found clay and rocks which she added to create textural pieces.  Later Elizabeth added glazes to her work including high fired copper reds and celedon greens.

In 2004 Elizabeth began a 4 year part time Diploma in Ceramic Art through Otago Polytechnic, extending her skills and knowledge.   Unfortunately in 2007 she became very unwell with a virus and her health became severely compromised.  In 2009 she was diagnosed with ME/CFS and was confined to bed until mid 2020.

In January 2020 Elizabeth and her family moved to Orewa, Auckland and with much joy for all,  her health began improving and she was able to return to making ceramics again.  2021 brought the opportunity to tutor at The Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa and to also finish her Diploma through Auckland Studio Potters which she completed in 2022.  Her hope is to find a new fluidity and movement in her work and convey the experience of her healing journey through the medium of clay.

Education

University of Auckland, Elam Fine Arts

Currently studying Bachelor of Fine Arts

Otago Polytechnic/Te Pūkenga, New Zealand.

New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design Level 6 2021 - 2022

New Zealand Diploma in Ceramic Arts Level 5 & 6, 2004 - 2006

Awards

Merit Award - ‘Silent Tears’ - Fire and Clay Exhibition Auckland Studio Potters 2023

Director’s Choice Award - ‘Grief’ - Art Fluent Online SHE Exhibition 2023

Merit Award Ceramics - ‘Silent Tears’ - Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards 2023

Merit Award - Mount Pleasant Pottery Group Exhibition 2009

Student Award - NZ Society of Potters National Exhibition 2006

Merit Award - Mount Pleasant Pottery Group Exhibition 2006

Merit Award - Canterbury Potters Association Exhibition 2005

Merit Award - Mount Pleasant Pottery Group Exhibition 2005

Selector’s Choice - Mount Pleasant Pottery Group Exhibition 2004

Collections

Canterbury  Museum