Story Behind the Sand
Our Clay Blends
The true inspiration behind our sand-infused ceramics came from a place deeply personal and sentimental to us both.
It all started on a beach called Te Arai, where my wife (Bumble date at the time) and I had our first proper non weird drink at a bar date. We spent that day surfing alone in the clear water under the almost Winter sun, a memory etched in my heart forever.
A few years on, I was almost a year into my ceramics journey, still learning the ropes, but a very special date was looming. I knew I wanted to make something very special, that looming date? it was our first wedding anniversary I wanted to create something that would encapsulate that cherished moment. The idea struck me: why not incorporate the sand from our favourite beach into a vase? I wasn’t sure if it was possible to mix sand with clay, but I decided to give it a try. I chose a creamy coloured clay that reminded me of the east coast. Then, I carefully collected sand from our wetsuit bucket. It had dustings of fallen sand from our East Coast adventures. I sprinkled the sand with all the little bits of shell and stone into the clay. I wanted to make a vase, something Lilly could sit flowers in and lets be honest, really wow her with how amazing I am haha. As I sat and threw the vase I felt like I was embedding a piece of our story into the pottery. I wasn't just making a vase, a gift or a thing. I was telling her how much I loved her, cherished her, I was telling a story, our story. This would make so much more sense a few months later when we (Lilly??) named the brand Author.
When I finally fired the piece, the result was beyond my expectations. The vase captured the essence of that sunrise on the beach, the golden sand, the speckles, and the shells. It felt like I had locked that magical moment into the vase. Seeing the finished piece, I knew instantly that this process would change the direction of what would become Author and our future. It was a beautiful way to tell our story.
From that moment on, we abandoned the use of coloured glazes and started experimenting with sand from different coasts. I explored how black sand from the west coast looked in white clay, and how it contrasted with black clay. Combining sand from both coasts led to a special blend we now call "Sand Dune." Through this process, I aimed to highlight the wild and beautiful coastline that surrounds our country and capture its essence in my ceramics.
This journey of experimentation and love has shaped Author into what it is today - a brand, a family that tells stories through the texture, colour, and the feel of each unique piece.
East Coast Clay Blend
Made using our special blend of Author clay mixed with sand from the East Coast. The finish of this clay blend is a soft, creamy, buttery colour with a very light speckle. It is raw and natural, just like our stunning coastline.
Coastal Clay Blend
Made using black sand from the West Coast and blended with our local white clay, our Coastal clay blend creates a truly magical, white, speckled, natural finish that is as unique and beautiful as our favourite beaches.
West Coast Clay Blend
Made with black sand from the wild West Coast. A blend we make right here in our studio. This one that holds memories of my childhood surfing the West Coast and our family adventures camping, fishing and exploring.
Sand Dune Clay Blend
Made with sand from the West and East Coast, blended with Authors signature clay. The finish is an off white colour with a very light speckle running through. It is textural, raw and natural just like our stunning coastline.
