Intensive Coiling Workshop With Carla Ruka

"An intensive insight that helps artists and clay makers of all skill levels create their concepts in sculptural form. Please note: This class is for the benefit of gaining the technical skills to improve your coiling. The work you make during this class is not expected to be completed or fired and is purely for practising and implementing these skills. " -- Workshop Requirements: "Workbook and Pencils for designing concepts Beginners Pottery Toolkit - or better Wooden Paddle Towel & Apron An old hair comb or dog comb would be handy but not required Textured items, stamps, seeds, shells, lego etc"
--
Carla Ruka, of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, and Tauiwi (European) descent, is inspired by Hineukurangi - the Māori clay deity, the natural world, and her whakapapa. As a clay artist since 2000, Carla takes delight in creating sculptural works and has developed her own unique style of coiling that showcases a Māori perspective. In 2022, Carla was selected by the Ceramic Association of NZ as the Touring Potter for "Coil Aotearoa," a year-long tour of large-scale sculpture workshops, artist presentations, and community outreach programmes throughout various regions in Aotearoa, funded by Creative NZ.

Carla is a strong advocate for indigenous ceramics and has actively participated in national and international projects, fostering connections with other indigenous artists worldwide. Notably, she engaged in an exchange with the Lapita potters in Fiji in 2023 and more recently in Seneca, New York State. As the owner of Carla Ruka Limited, a creative arts business, and the Principal Cultural Advisor to Te Tuhi Art Gallery in Pakuranga, Auckland, Carla takes on multiple projects, including teaching kapa haka and mentoring. She has also hosted an online ceramic class project called "Make a cup" and collaborated with weaver Beronia Scott to create the large-scale art installation "Ka Mua, Ka Muri" at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Carla is known for her curatorial work. In 2020, she curated the exhibition "NUku" at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, and in 2024, she curated "Hineukurangi" at The Suter Art Gallery in Whakatū, Nelson.

Carla actively engages with her communities and holds various roles, including being a member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku - Māori Clay Artist Collective, a board member of Papatūnga (Te Tuhi Artist Programme), a committee member of O Wairoa Marae, and a former director and current committee member of Auckland Studio Potters.