Hi I’m Riccardo born in 1991. I completed a Visual Communication Design Degree at Massey University Wellington in 2012. I went on to work in interior design in Italy before coming back to New Zealand and discovering pottery. I’m interested in exploring and harnessing the local raw materials to make my clay and glazes.

Hey, I am a Finnish addition to the pottery team and the most reluctant potter of us all, though being slowly converted with North’s hard work. 

On a daily basis I am trying to keep the artistic types in line, take care of the office side of things, organise courses, coordinate residencies and keep the communication going in the form of our newsletter and social media posts.

I've had a fascination with clay from an early age and this led me to gaining a Bachelor of Ceramics and Glass from Sunderland University in 1987. Two years later, I emigrated to Aotearoa where I landed at Driving Creek spending over two years potting and working on the railway development at Driving Creek. Coming full circle, I am now back at Driving Creek again working to develop the Pottery. In between times, I've had a successful career in both ceramics and Glass, showing widely in Aotearoa and also internationally (Australia, UK, USA).

Howdy! I have a background in clothing and textile design, and recently completed a diploma of Ceramic Arts in Dunedin. I’m interested in therapeutic art practices and love rocks, mountains, and water.

Heya! I’m a recent graduate from Whitecliffe College. Interested in community arts, my interest is in exploring clay’s association with creative well-being. I came to the Coromandel to teach the 8-week throwing courses at Driving Creek. Barry’s trains reminded me of my childhood love for Thomas the Tank Engine, so I’ve recently become a train driver too.