Sonya Maunder

A Selection of Works

Uncle Murray's Dinghy

This series of handbuilt work is based on a wooden dinghy that my great Uncle Murray gave me when I was little. I remember going down into his workshop and he presented me with this boat while Aunty Dulcie was upstairs in the lounge.
I love the simple shape of the hull and the time and effort he put into each one... there were many boats created for all the family.
The boats are made from porcelain, and electric fired to cone 6 and cone 10. The mounting board is reclaimed plywood.

Those Who Never Return

The West Coast is known for its unexpected waves. When the sea takes, sometimes it doesn't give back. This is the story of my cousin who was posing for a photo on rocks and was taken by a rogue wave; he was never returned to us.
Somewhere out there he lies beneath the waves.
This piece is made from paper clay and porcelain, it is multi-fired to cone 6 and highlights 3 different glazes: strontium crater, clay bronze, and crystal.

Crystal Vases

These vases were my first experimentation with crystal glazes. They are slip cast porcelain with homemade crystal glaze that is fired to cone 10. I was able to create shadows, halos, and various crystal growth with the firing schedule.
I have since progressed using to cone 6 crystal glazes with similar effects.

Jewellery

I have been making delicate forms from porcelain from which to make earrings and necklaces. Some are glazed; some are pressed with fresh flowers; others are left as raw porcelain.
These are beautiful miniature artworks for wearing every day.

Lockdown Cups

These pieces of fun were created during the Covid-19 lockdowns. They are 90% cute and 10% cheeky. They are mainly made from NZ white stoneware and are still in progress.
Each cup is unique, with its theme fully realised once glazed.

Pot Planters

Designed to fit a 12cm pot, these pots are not the usual mass-produced offerings. Each one is hand-built from NZ-made clays, and creatively glazed.

Float

Inspired by Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, this piece is an exploration of a minimal vessel highlighting a submerged waterline with bronze and strontium crater glazes.
Light stoneware; cone 6; medium speed, multifired electric.

Dimensions: 320 x 320 x 120mm

Tile Testing

Bruce and I have been planning a large art installation made from tiles. We have created a design and now I am testing clay and glaze combinations.
This is a long term project and will consist of over 2000 tiles once complete.

Glaze Combinations

Combining glazes to create new and exciting results. Here is an example of a highly successful and reproducible effect. Charcoal velvet with a white crawl.

Clay Inspiration

Sometimes a new clay can inspire so much new art. This new clay from Mac's Mud has inspired a few pieces that are still in progress. Beautiful in its simplicity.

To learn more about my artistic journey, please inquire below.

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Selected Works