Shannon Courtenay is an Aotearoa New Zealand-based artist who works mainly in ceramics, using mould making, slip casting, and handbuilding methods to create pieces that verge on being indistinguishable from the originals. A principal theme in Shannon’s collections is river ecology, with a strong focus on the Cardrona River. Some of her new work involves digital and video art, exploring the intersection of classical ceramics techniques and technology.

BFA Elam School of Fine Arts.

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Built in 2019, Shannon Courtenay Ceramics Studio is located on Kind Farm Animal Sanctuary in the idyllic Cardrona Valley. The Cardrona River flows through the sanctuary and was a driving factor in setting up on this location. All the rocks in Dry Riverbed 2019 were collected from this river while Shannon was still at Elam. The natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for endless inspiration - for both Shannon and her workshop participants.

Find workshops here.

Several years ago, Shannon was working in a cafe linked to a pottery factory in 
Matakana. Surrounded by the beauty of this place -the terracotta tiles, the clay harvested onsite, the uniquely crafted pieces- she made the decision to pursue a degree in contemporary art. While studying Fine Arts in Auckland, she returned to Matakana every week to work with NZ pottery pioneer and factory founder Anthony Morris in his home studio. Here, Shannon fell in love with making functional pieces that people treasure. Although separate from her art practice, these collections still take on conceptual themes.

See collections here.