The Art of Slowing Down with Pottery
Just a short stroll from the Whitianga Ferry, tucked in beside the Ferry Landing car park, sits The Pottery Shed. This is a creative hub run by Penny Vergeest with the help of local artist Vanessa McKay; together they have built a warm, welcoming space where people can slow down, get their hands dirty, and rediscover the simple joy of making something real.
Walking into a pottery class can feel like stepping back in time. There are no screens and schedules, just the tactile rhythm of clay. “There’s something grounding about it,” says Penny. “You have to focus on what’s in front of you, the feel of the clay, the spin of the wheel, the texture as it changes under your hands.”
At The Pottery Shed, classes range from beginner hand-building and wheel-throwing courses to relaxed paint-and-sip evenings and children’s school holiday workshops. Whether you’re shaping your first mug or glazing a whimsical creature, each piece tells a story, perfectly imperfect and uniquely yours.
So how does clay become a finished work of art? The process is a fascinating mix of creativity and chemistry.
First comes hand-building or wheel throwing, forming your piece while the clay is soft and pliable. Once shaped, it must dry slowly before being fired in the kiln for the first time, called the ‘bisque firing’.
This transforms the clay from fragile to durable. Once the creation has been fired, glazing comes next. This is where students choose colours and finishes, before their work is fired again to achieve its final, glossy form. The whole process can take 2 weeks to a month.
Working with clay is a gentle reminder that good things take time. Each piece moves through stages that can’t be rushed, from damp earth to glowing kiln.
It’s a rhythm that mirrors the natural pace of life here on the Coromandel, where tides and seasons still set the tempo.
That’s part of what makes The Pottery Shed so special, it invites you to pause, breathe, and enjoy the process of making something lasting.
It’s an art that teaches patience as much as creativity. “You can’t rush clay,” says Vanessa. “It reminds people to slow down – and when they see their finished piece come out of the kiln, the pride on their faces is priceless.”
For locals and visitors alike, The Pottery Shed offers something rare: a creative escape that’s equal parts mindful and joyful. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, spend quality time with friends, or simply get your hands in some clay, The Pottery Shed is the perfect place to start.
Bookings, gift vouchers, and upcoming class details can be found at www.thepotteryshed.co.nz – or better yet, drop by and see what’s spinning on the wheel!
Words by Kat Neilson-Jones
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