In 2020, amidst the chaos of the global pandemic, Stephen Smith experienced a moment of inspiration that would change his life forever. A former professional chef with a love for creativity, Stephen decided to make the plates for his wedding. After hiring a pottery wheel and, with a lounge full of clay, what began as a simple idea would evolve into Author Ceramics, a brand that not only expresses Stephen’s artistic journey but also tells the story of his family, their love for the beach, and their connection to Aotearoa’s natural beauty.
The beginning
Author Ceramics emerged during a time of personal reflection and re-evaluation. With the pandemic limiting usual activities, Stephen, already skilled in the culinary arts, wanted to make something meaningful for his wedding. “I thought it would be cool to make the plates for it. Easy right? Haha, very wrong,” he admits with a chuckle. However, what started as a modest marital project soon sparked an unanticipated passion. “Something just clicked,” Stephen explains, “It wasn’t just about making things; it became a way to visualise and work towards the life my family and I wanted.” Author Ceramics is about more than just pottery; it is about telling a story, personal and universal, of creativity, connection and inspiration.
Crafting with purpose
Stephen’s approach to ceramics is deeply rooted in functionality and artistry. He is passionate about creating pieces that are beautiful and practical. “I like our pieces to feel sculptural and organic while also being repeatable from a production standpoint,” he says. Each design is carefully thought out, ensuring it can be replicated while still holding a unique character. “Every piece doesn’t necessarily need to tell a story, but it does need its own unique character.”
His studio, a double garage at home, is a space of inspiration and chaos. “It’s a dusty, modest space, where our kids often run wild,” Stephen jokes. Despite the occasional interruptions of family life, it is within this creative space that the magic happens. “It’s bursting at the seams, but that’s part of the joy that comes with creativity and family life.”
Creating a piece of pottery is a meticulous process, often taking several weeks from start to finish. While throwing the piece on the wheel might take anywhere from five minutes to an hour, it is just the beginning. The drying process, bisque firing, glazing and final firing take significant time and effort. “Not every piece survives the process,” Stephen says. “So, when a finished piece is pulled from the kiln, it’s a great feeling. It’s hours of love and hard work.”
A special connection to sand
One of the most unique elements of Stephen’s ceramics is the use of sand. The inspiration came from a deeply personal place: his first wedding anniversary with Lilly. “Our first real date where we started to fall in love was at a surf beach called Te Arai [near Wellsford],” Stephen recalls. Inspired by their love of surfing and the ocean, he collected sand from their wetsuits and surfboards and added it to his clay. “I didn’t know if it was going to work, but when I fired it, I fell in love with the result.” This unexpected success led to a complete shift in Stephen’s approach to ceramics, moving away from coloured glazes and experimenting with different clay blends. The sand symbolised their connection to New Zealand’s beaches and became a key component in many of his future designs.
Author’s unique style
The style of Author Ceramics is best described as organic and functional. Influenced by the natural world, Stephen’s pieces often feature curves and waves that are visually appealing and purposeful. “Take our Boring Platter for example,” he says. “It has a large wavy fold, which also doubles as a handle and smaller dimples that work perfectly for resting chutney or honeycomb.” This thoughtful combination of aesthetic beauty and practicality is a hallmark of Stephen’s design.
He quickly says he doesn’t strive to fit into any particular style or trend. “I’m not sure what basket we fit into,” he admits. “I’m just trying to make things that I love to make and hope they resonate with others.”
One of the defining characteristics of Author Ceramics is the use of neutral tones across all pieces. “The simplicity of neutral tones tells our story in a way that feels authentic and timeless,” Stephen explains. He adds that the natural tones allow the materials and the stories behind them to take centre stage. “We wanted our work to reflect the natural beauty of New Zealand,” Stephen says. “By keeping it simple, we let the design speak for itself.”
Though he has experimented with brighter colours in the past, Stephen is adamant that neutral tones are key to the brand’s ethos. “For now, natural clay blends reflect the essence of the brand and its connection to New Zealand’s landscapes,” he says.
For Stephen, the challenge lies in blending functionality with artistry. “I want the pieces to be both beautiful and useful,” he says. “I hope when people hold or use one of our pieces, they feel a connection – to New Zealand, to happy memories, or just a moment of calm.” This sense of connection is something that runs throughout the brand. Stephen’s work is not just about ceramics; it’s about creating pieces that hold meaning for those who use them.
The evolution of the brand
Author Ceramics has evolved significantly since its inception. “The brand has grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” Stephen reflects. From its humble beginnings in an apartment, with Stephen creating pottery on the carpet, Author’s journey has been filled with challenges. The global lockdowns, economic challenges and the sheer difficulty of running a business in the creative sector were daunting. “We had many nights in tears, wondering how to keep the lights on,” he admits.
But through persistence and a commitment to their vision, Author Ceramics has thrived. What started as a passion project is now a flourishing business, with pieces gaining attention in New Zealand and the United States. The brand’s journey is a testament to the power of following your creative path, no matter the obstacles.
Embracing mistakes
Stephen is refreshingly honest about his creative process, particularly his belief in embracing mistakes. “Almost every single piece in our collection has come from a mistake,” he says. “I don’t usually sit down with a specific design in mind. I let things happen naturally.” This willingness to embrace what might initially seem like a failure has led to some of the brand’s most iconic pieces, such as the Pillow Vase and the Boring Platter. “I’ve learned to lean into those moments. They often lead to the greatest gifts,” Stephen says.
A family affair
Author Ceramics is very much a family business. Stephen works alongside his wife, Lilly, who manages photography and other aspects of the company. Together, they are supported by their children, Marlowe, Poppy and Monni, who bring energy and enthusiasm to the process. “We’re so lucky to have extremely supportive parents who help with everything from childcare to packing orders,” Stephen says.
Looking ahead
Looking forward, Stephen has big plans for the brand. The next five years will see new product lines, such as a lighting range, and further expansion of their ceramics. “We’ve always wanted to make pendant lights,” he says. “That’s something we’re working on now.” Additionally, Stephen and Lilly are planning to launch an online course to share their knowledge with aspiring artists and creatives.
Ultimately, the goal is to use their craft as a vehicle for travel and creativity. “Our long-term goal is to move to Whangamatā, surf more and make ceramics in warmer spots like Greece, Spain, and France,” Stephen says. “We want to continue telling our story, creating art, and having fun.” Stephen’s advice to anyone considering starting their own craft-based business is simple: “You just have to start. If you have a dream or goal, it’s only going to remain a dream unless you put the wheels in motion.” Despite the many challenges they’ve faced, Stephen’s unwavering belief in the power of following his passion has led to the success of Author Ceramics. The journey has just begun for Stephen and Lilly, and the future is as exciting as the pieces they create.
