About

Wood Fired Pottery School is an artist-run pottery studio based at our home in New Lynn, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

The classes are taught by Jack Tilson and the school is managed by Kristal Gallagher. 

About the Tutor:

Jack brings over 15 years of ceramics experience to the classroom. He has exhibited and taught widely across Aotearoa. Jack studied art and ceramics at the University of Auckland and earned his MFA with first-class honours from Elam School of Fine Arts in 2015. His research focuses on glazing techniques using locally sourced materials.

Find out more about Jack's work here. 

Directions: We are a 9 min walk from New Lynn transport hub, at 25a Titirangi Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600

Find us on Google maps

Studio Facilities:
Our teaching spaces feature a variety of pottery wheels and tools, including a collection of traditional Leach wheels and Korean Kerokuro-Karatsu wheels. Many of our tools are handmade by local potters.

We produce our own clay blends using local stoneware and high-fire clays suited to our kiln. Our preference is for warm, toasty stoneware, complemented by natural glazes such as celadon and tenmoku, all made from natural minerals.

Teaching Philosophy:

Our guiding principles revolve around community and a deep respect for the processes involved in clay work. Here, we have created an environment where these core values shine brightly:

1. A Safe and Inclusive Haven: Our school is a space where individuals can wholeheartedly express themselves. We have a positive and supportive atmosphere.

2. Clay, the Heart of Our School: We love clay and honour its many forms. 

3. Fire's Creativity: We respect the immense power and significance of fire. Our kiln is a creative tool that provides unique outcomes.

4. A Thriving Community: Our community is the centre of our school. We celebrate different types of knowledge and ways of thinking. 

5. Natural Materials: Each season we change the clays we use, incorporating natural stoneware and porcelain clays.  Our kiln is made from bricks and fired using pine and windfall.

6. Honouring The Past, For the New: Our emphasis on kick-wheels and wood-firing connects us to time-honoured traditions which we acknowledge. We believe that new ways of thinking about clay and fire emerge through an active dialogue with the past, present and future.

7. Embracing Chance: In our wood-firing process, we embrace the awe-inspiring fact that every piece born from the kiln is unique. 

8. Earth-Friendly Practices: Our studio is beside a stream and situated near native bush at the edge of the Waitākere ranges. We manage our impact by using non-polluting clay and glaze materials. 

9. Weather-Wise Firing: We prioritize safety by only firing our kiln when weather conditions are suitable.