EVERYDAY ART, METICULOUSLY HANDCRAFTED
As the sun dips behind the Rodney hills, local artisan Mike Reeves is often found hard at work in his studio overlooking the Mahurangi River, perfecting a glaze or tending to the kiln.
Mike’s bespoke, handcrafted ceramics reflect a decades-long connection to clay, a love affair that began in childhood. Each piece speaks to his philosophy: that art can illuminate everyday life.
A platter might serve wood-fired pizza one day and become a display piece the next. An otherwise mundane morning coffee is made special by unique drinkware. These are art pieces designed to be part of daily life, meant to be used and enjoyed.
Each of Mike’s handmade creations bears his potter’s mark and showcases a near- obsessive attention to detail. While his craftsmanship suggests a lifelong dedication to ceramics, his artistic journey took a few detours along the way.
After discovering ceramics during his early years in Singapore, Mike later moved to London, then Auckland, where his artistic instincts flourished. He embarked on a career as a high-end advertising photographer, honing his eye for composition, lighting, and visual balance.
After decades behind the lens, Mike and his wife Dianne settled in Algies Bay, where his love of clay and working with his hands resurfaced. The transition from capturing images to creating objects brought a different kind of satisfaction – making pieces that can be held, used, and enjoyed in everyday life.
Subtly influenced by his international background, Mike’s work carries a sophistication shaped by global design traditions. This is paired with a distinctly New Zealand sensibility, using local clays and inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Working across both wheel-thrown and hand-built forms, Mike’s pottery is defined by a blend of technical skill and practical design. His forms are balanced, with clean lines and textures that invite touch. Bowls often feature natural spiral patterns from the wheel, while platters showcase broad, smooth surfaces perfect for serving.
His glaze finishes range from glossy to semi-matte, speckled clays to Raku firing, a technique that creates dramatic colour effects through the application of smoke and rapid cooling. Among his most popular creations are butter keepers, serving bowls, and decorative vessels, all blending form, function, and timeless design.
Mike is an active member of the Mahurangi Artist Network, which hosts the annual Mahurangi Art Trail each February. He has also served as a member and treasurer of the Kowhai Art and Craft group in Warkworth, helping support fellow artists and keeping ceramics visible in the community.
www.MikeReevesCeramics.com | www.instagram.com/MikeReevesCeramics