Ceramic
Slip-cast from Cardrona River stones
Approx. 5-7 cm
Hollow form (sits on a nail or screw)

$15 from every rock sold will be donated to WAI Wānaka to support their mahi protecting and restoring freshwater in our region.

A limited release of ceramic ōrau river rocks.

Each piece is slip-cast from moulds taken from stones found in the Ōrau (Cardrona River). The rocks are glazed by hand to bring out the natural textures and subtle variations of the original stones.

These works continue an exploration that began with my installation Dry Riverbed (2019), a work made of one thousand ceramic rocks created in response to concerns around human impact on the ecology of our lakes and rivers. The installation was based on stones ‘borrowed’ from the Cardrona River, with the original rocks returned to their place.

An ongoing portion of every ceramic rock sold is donated to WAI Wānaka. WAI’s work focuses on improving water health through monitoring, restoration, research, and community engagement.

Each of these rocks are hollow ceramic forms. They can sit quietly on a shelf or be hung on the wall, where they sit easily on a small nail or screw. Whether placed individually or in small groupings, the stones reflect the gentle scattering of rocks shaped by water.

A small object carrying the presence of our awa, and a reminder of the value of the water that shapes our landscape.

Ceramic artist Shannon Courtenay lives and works in the Cardrona Valley. Her practice explores the relationship between material, landscape, and environmental care.