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.
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.
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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.
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I mainly use stoneware clay as I find it suits handmaking, has a lovely speckle and works well with my preferred glazes.
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.
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It’s been two years of trial and error and questionable present giving - bless my very polite family and friends.
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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.
