Sarah Bookman

Country: NZ
Website: sarahbookman.com
Instagram: @sarahbookman
Artist Discipline: Painting

Sarah Bookman (M.Arch Prof, NZRAB) is an architect and visual artist from Aotearoa New Zealand whose practice explores the complexity of the human condition through drawing and painting. Her work is deeply influenced by her architectural background, blending geometric precision with expressive form, vibrant colour, and layered compositions. Sarah’s visual language investigates the tension and harmony between structure and emotion, space and self.

During her residency at Driving Creek, Sarah aims to create a cohesive body of large-scale work while cultivating a focused and sustainable daily art practice. She intends to deepen her reflective writing, refine her creative process, and engage in dialogue with other resident artists. The immersive environment of Driving Creek will serve as both inspiration and sanctuary for the continued evolution of her interdisciplinary practice.

Nika Gorosghko

Country: US
Website: nikagoroshko.wixsite.com/website
Artist Discipline: Pottery/Ceramics

Nika Gorosghko is a ceramic artist whose work is rooted in surrender, rhythm, and the elemental connection between body and clay. Their practice embraces imperfection, spontaneity, and a meditative relationship with the material—viewing clay as both guide and mirror. Inspired by the raw forces of water, fire, air, and earth, their forms are fluid, organic, and deeply personal—shaped not only by hands but by feeling, ritual, and memory.

During their residency at Driving Creek, they aim to deepen this connection by creating work that reflects the land, sea, and spirit of the place. Their vision includes a sanctuary-like installation—an altar of ceramic vessels, wind chimes, and tactile forms arranged as a sacred space for reflection and interaction. The residency is not just an artistic opportunity, but a healing one—an act of grounding, where making becomes a ritual of remaking the self. Through this immersive process, they hope to leave behind not just work, but presence—a quiet offering to the land and to others who journey through it.

Marta Barbaglia

Country: Italy
Artist Discipline: Pottery/Ceramics

Marta is an Italian-born ceramic artist who has spent over a decade traveling the world, learning from potters across diverse cultures to shape her creative voice. With a background in product design and years of experimentation across various media, it wasn’t until she discovered clay that her artistic journey truly began. Working primarily on the wheel, Marta focuses on creating functional objects that push the boundaries of form—seeking out perfect curves and fluid, sinuous shapes. Her surfaces are enriched with layered glazes, slips, and raw materials, emphasizing both form and texture.

Currently based in Western Australia and practicing at Commonage Pottery, Marta is using this phase of her life to refine her artistic identity. At Driving Creek, she hopes to further explore kiln firing techniques, improve her large-scale throwing skills, and connect with a community of potters. For her, the residency is a pivotal step in an ongoing journey of creative discovery—one marked by openness, experimentation, and a deepening commitment to her craft.

Theo Leach

Country: NZ
Artist Discipline: Pottery/Ceramics
Instagram: @theoleach

Theo Leach is a ceramic artist drawn to the raw possibilities of clay, texture, and fire. His practice explores the intersection of process and expression—creating simple, refined forms that come alive through dynamic surfaces and unexpected kiln results. Theo’s work invites personal interpretation, evolving with each viewer who engages with it.

At Driving Creek, Theo seeks time and space away from the demands of production pottery to reconnect with the creative essence of his craft. He plans to experiment with wild clays, slips, and glaze materials while pushing the boundaries of form. His goal is to produce a thoughtful collection of both large and small works, deepening his conceptual focus in a setting that fosters reflection and inspiration.