River Rocks

A ceramic replica of a river rock.

Each piece is slip-cast from moulds taken from stones found in the Ōrau (Cardrona River). The rocks are glazed by hand to bring out the natural textures and subtle variations of the original stones.

These works continue an exploration that began with my installation Dry Riverbed (2019), a work made of one thousand ceramic rocks created in response to concerns around human impact on the ecology of our lakes and rivers. The installation was based on stones ‘borrowed’ from the Cardrona River, with the original rocks returned to their place.

An ongoing portion of every ceramic rock sold is donated to WAI Wānaka, a local organisation working to protect and restore freshwater in this beautiful part of the world. The word wai means water in te reo Māori, and WAI’s work focuses on improving water health through monitoring, restoration, research, and community engagement.

Each of these rocks are hollow ceramic forms. They can sit quietly on a shelf or be hung on the wall, where they sit easily on a small nail or screw. Whether placed individually or in small groupings, the stones reflect the gentle scattering of rocks shaped by water.

A small object carrying the presence of our awa, and a reminder of the value of the water that shapes our landscape.

$15 from every rock sold will be donated to WAI Wānaka to support their work protecting and restoring freshwater in our region.