Suzanne McAllen

Hello, my name is Suzanne McAllen and I am very excited to be getting all my ducks back in a row and potting again after a very long time away from that addictive combination of clay and fire.

I was extremely fortunate to have been trained for 5 years by one of New Zealand’s most admired potters – Mirek Smisek (OBE) in Te Horo as a domesticware thrower. Being a practical person, I will continue to make tableware because I enjoy being able to weave joy and meaning into our daily lives with unique and beautiful objects. A subtle thumbprint or texture added purely to bring delight to the holder. Utilitarian potter supports and embodies our intimate rituals of whanau, nourishment, and celebration.

I live in Ashhurst and have a lovely big section and studio there and I am really looking forward to seeing where my “creative journey with clay – Part 2 takes me”. I’m so excited, I’m looking forward to challenging myself, growing and learning more; I’ve got so many ideas, I just can’t wait! I love a good form and making pieces that look great on your table straight from the oven but am also hoping to explore more artistic, sculptural, and outdoor pieces. Finding this life again as a potter us truly a gift and I am so overjoyed!