Perfectly imperfect pottery by Sharon Hill
SHUP [shh uhp]
Adj. A nonsense word that sounds fun and utilises my existing makers mark stamp, SHUP is also an acronym for Sharon Hill unique pottery. Happily the Urban Dictionary also classes it as a word with a cheeky meaning: “Shup: Deriving from 'Shut up'. Usually said for no apparent reason... or just to piss someone off.”
Perfectly imperfect pottery
My ceramics are one-off handmade pieces that fit with one of several series but could never be called replicas. Each piece is unique and is crafted by me in my Marlborough studio.
Largely useable tableware but occasionally just for looks, every piece is dishwasher and microwave-proof and sealed with food safe glazes. In general they should be fully waterproof but this is not a 100% guarantee for vases or planters holding water over a period of time.
Made to be used they are pretty solid in general, they have been known to bounce and not break. But don’t try this at home.
I mainly use stoneware clay as I find it suits handmaking, has a lovely speckle and works well with my preferred glazes. I also use an earthy white as a crisp backdrop to black patterns.
Collections
A Spot of Sunshine
Fun, perky pieces to brighten up your day, your life and your home. Perfect little conversation starters and gifts for those hard to buy for discerning types. Smooth to the touch. A white porcelain style clay.
Sandy Shore
An earthy ‘sand meets sea’ vibe that’s hardy and has a real tactile, gritty texture. A solid addition to your entertaining, every day bowl and cup use, and a sure winner gift for anyone – even farmers. A speckle stoneware.
I see the sea
Fresh, pleasing pieces that are not too heavy, not too fine. And just the right shade of blue/green that suits anywhere and anyone. With a base of natural speckle there’s a bit of texture but not too much.
Little Mountains
Clean, crisp rounded white pieces decorated with a regular (yet irregular) little mountains pattern, and sometimes with a splash of colour. The name references to my nickname ‘Little Mountain’ when I was at primary school.
Made by hand with care
All my pieces are handmade. With handmaking, the pieces just form and evolve seemingly on their own, and are heart-warmingly wonky (or perfectly imperfect). I love it. When I say something is unique, I mean it’s truly unique. I don’t think I’ve ever made two of anything that are identical or even close.
About SHUP
SHUP has been set up by me - Sharon Hill. My wholesome farm upbringing in Taranaki was followed by 20 years living in the soul-nourishing creativity of Wellington. Now based in sunny Marlborough, I’m lucky to be immersed in a rich community of local potters surrounded by a stunning landscape and light that provides endless inspiration.
The road to SHUP
I have been creative all my life. It’s in my blood if not my DNA.
From a farm and a family of Virgos who love numbers, I’m strictly a one of a kind in the Hill clan. Sometimes even called weird and unusual. Certainly the odd one out.
I just smile and give them pottery...
My artistic path started out with painting and collage at college and, while I lived in Wellington, this morphed into printmaking, and design and interior decorating through university and beyond. Writing and creativity has always been part of my day job, then more recently I took up pottery when we moved to beautiful Marlborough.
It’s been two years of trial and error and questionable present giving - bless my very polite family and friends.
Now I’m finally at a point where I’m not embarrassed about my pieces, in fact I love them and am confident you - or those you buy them for - will too.
I'd love to hear from you
SHUP might be my name, but it’s more of a shy ‘oh shush’ – I’d never want to shut you up!
I’d love to hear your feedback and ideas. Please also do get in touch with any queries about customised pieces – mixing and matching the shapes, clays and glazes we use. And do touch base to chat about wholesale supply.
Fill out the form to get in contact, or email direct – sharon@theintrepid.co.nz – or message through Instagram.
Follow me
Be the first to know about what’s for sale, my pop-up stalls, new collections, how I make my pottery and more.
© SHUP 2023
