Meet the Artists of Whangarei Heads Arts Trail - Easter 2017
Sheila Blackburn - I began working with clay many years ago as an Art teacher in England. For me it represents a medium that gives visual and tactile pleasure both in the making and in the appreciation of the finished work. Now I have my own small studio here in Whangarei, New Zealand, and the time and enthusiasm to explore ceramics in a whole variety of ways.
My work has developed through experimentation and the often painful process of trial and error. I work mostly with paperclay which I make myself. I use this for Raku, pit firing, slip casting and stoneware glazed work. Every new piece is a journey of discovery. My work has a wide variety of surface finishes including burnishing or terra sigillata, glaze and occasionally paint.
In producing Raku and pit fired ware I try to embrace the philosophy of Wabi - Sabi. which tells us to embrace imperfection, and seek beauty in the marks that show the journey of the works through fire and life. Often work does not come out as expected and it is important to accept the finish for what it is and not to condemn it for not being as 'expected'.
See my work on: www.nookpottery.co.nz...
Also check out the WHAT website at www.whangareiheadsartstrail.org.nz...
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.2% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.1% Critical thinking
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29.9% Resilience and adaptability
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2.8% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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