Meet the Maker: Esther McDonald of Thea Ceramics and her beautifully formed pottery.
Esther McDonald of Thea Ceramics makes functional but beautiful wares on her pottery wheel
Esther McDonald has clay running through her genealogy. She was taught to throw on the pottery wheel by her uncle Shane McDonald, who in turn was taught by Esther’s nan, Althea Kypers – the name Esther now works under as Thea Ceramics. The Waiheke Island-based ceramicist makes functional homewares, finished in a signature dipped glaze. “My shapes and designs come from practical needs and the glaze explores the environment where the sea meets the land,” she says. “I gain energy from Papatūānuku [Mother Earth] and Tangaroa [god of the sea]. There’s nothing like diving into the ocean and feeling the waves wash over you to revitalise.” Esther’s medium is uku, or clay, formed on the pottery wheel – a practice she loves because it takes time to master. “I like working hard on my craft and building my skills. Uku also isn’t just used in the form-making but in the glazing and decoration, so my journey is endless.” Of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Wai descent, she was commissioned to create a collection for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki in conjunction with its Toi Tū Toi Ora exhibition of contemporary Māori art; her next project is a limited edition release of wares made with Coromandel Gold (wild terracotta clay) from the late Barry Brickell’s Driving Creek Potteries.
My favourite things: My aurei kahurangi pounamu earnings made for me by Taonga By Timoti; I always wear them when I need a little extra support (1). My partner Bobby Dazzler and I have always gifted each other art and these two Guim Tio Zarraluki pieces are favourites (2). Aesop’s Olous Aromatique Room Spray is lush but masculine; I think it’s the nicest compliment when someone says your house smells lovely (3). The tools of my trade, including my Shimpo pottery wheel, throwing and turning tools (4). See theaceramics.com