JANEL REID | OKAY CERAMICS


WHAT TYPE OF WORK/ART DO YOU DO?

I am a practicing Ceramic Artist/Potter/Ceramicist, with a touch of guess work on the side.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

The most amazing thing about working with clay is the resilience and on the fly creativity that is thrust into your daily building. There is always a solution to avoid a perpetual problem. 

 

HOW WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK/ARTISTIC PRACTICE?

Having the pleasure of stumbling across some borrowed wares of Holly Houston’s, I decided to take a leap of faith and offer up my extra hands assisting Holly in her Devonport studio for some immersive on-site learning. Gradually I became confident enough to bring this craft to my kitchen table at home, and with borrowed tools and unbridled enthusiasm, I started hand-building some really wonky dinner plates!

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

Over the years with the shift in our home life, kids getting older, design style fluctuations, my style has continued to evolve during these seasons. As my confidence increases and my imposter syndrome lightly fades, I find that I can settle in a bit more, that I can veer away from the rules and parameters to find my own place where I feel comfortable with what I create and not about what I think I should be creating. 

 
 

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

Just over three years ago we were lucky enough to stumble across this rundown property off of Scenic Drive North and fell in love with it’s possibilities. Four out buildings, an empty downstairs and a lot of weeds.

We have slowly stripped back, swiftly filled up and crammed every square inch with love and artistic energy. Recently converting an old garage into my three-in-one studio space has been an absolute dream! Conducive to an energising flow state, I feel like it brings me more joy than ever before. 

 

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO SEE WHEN THEY VISIT YOUR STUDIO DURING OSW? 

An uncomplicated and judgement free space that brings calm and encourages conversations. Also, some new, old and slightly lonely pots. 

 

NAME YOUR FAVOURITE SECRET SPOTS YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN THE WAITAKERE RANGES

It is absolutely no secret (though somedays I wish it was) that Bethells Beach is a bit time moment rain or shine. Follow that up with some treats from Shio Bakery, some hot chips from Mamaris Kebabs (not sure what they put on those but, whoa!), and maybe a quick pop in at Crystal Mountain for a chakra alignment and you’ve got yourself a dream day! 

 

You can meet visit Janel and her partner Hayden (Champion Knives) at 19 Kitewaho Road, Swanson.

Photos by: Charlotte Church
www.alittlebit.co.nz