Clay artist Jill Howard discovered her creative calling after moving north in search of a quieter life. Having previously worked for Trade Aid - a social enterprise committed to fair trade with developing countries - Jill has a deep appreciation for handmade craft and the people behind it.

"I attended a hand - building clay workshop and found my mojo" she recalls. I was hooked straight away. What began as a weekend passion quickly took her spare time, eventually transforming her garage into a fully fledged garden studio by the beach. The purchase of a kiln and slab roller during lockdown marked a turning point as Jill spent most days experimenting with clay. "It was the best decision ever, she says, "I realised my mental health and zest for life had improved dramatically."

From her home studio, Jill hand-builds small batch ceramic pieces using mainly stoneware clay - from peace bells, vases, vessels, to wall art. Inspired by the coastal textures around her she often leaves her pieces unglazed to highlight the natural surface qualities created by layering different clays. "Living by the beach gives me endless inspiration" she says. Each of Jill's pieces is unique and intentionally organic. "My pottery is not mass-produced. Each one is imperfectly perfect - that's the beauty of handmade".

Currently, her work is available at Umi in Matakana, a store dictated to showcasing handmade work and through her Instagram page @jillyjampots.

Looking to the future, Jill dreams of an arts and crafts hub in the region - a space where local makers can connect, create, and sell their work. "It would be amazing to have a community space where everyone who loves to create can come together".