From olives to artistry
Words Milly Nolan
David Sullivan’s journey from the corporate world to olives and pottery tells a unique tale of artistic transformation and dedication to his passion.
A decade ago, David Sullivan and his wife, Isabella, made a life-altering decision. They bid farewell to their corporate careers in Devonport and decided to move to the country where they bought a property with sweeping views of the Mahurangi Harbour, complete with a 20-year-old olive grove. Their venture was twofold: to dive into something entirely new that they could both learn together – which turned out to be the creation of their renowned and award- winning Matakana Extra Virgin Olive Oil – and to create a pottery studio for David to indulge his passion for clay.
“Leaving the corporate world was our opportunity to dedicate ourselves to more meaningful pursuits,” says David. “I first fell in love with pottery when I lived in England in the 1990’s, but my passion was reignited when I joined Auckland Studio Potters and attended classes in 2010.”
David's love for wood-firing, a unique method in the pottery world, was a driving force behind setting up a pottery studio on their sprawling acreage. With dedication and the guidance of some pottery friends, he set about designing and building his own wood-fired kiln during the Pandemic. Using reclaimed bricks with rich histories – some from a local kiln dating back to the 1970’s, once owned by local potter Judy Woods, and others from the old Auckland gasworks building – crafting the kiln became a labour of love. "It was a real passion project,” says David. “It took many months to build, with every brick requiring grinding and shaping to fit.”
Unlike electric kilns, the wood-fired kiln’s process and the exceptional results it yields are truly one-of-a-kind. Operating at scorching temperatures, the wood-fired kiln reaches up to 1,300 degrees Celsius, employing wood, oxygen, natural chemicals, ash and other elements to create distinct glazes and forms through a process known as reduction firing. The organic and unpredictable nature of wood-firing excites David, who relishes the element of surprise.
“My love for pottery encompasses the entire process and that it all comes from my own hands - from starting with something that is essentially dirt and water and then shaping and creating it into something beautiful. With a wood-fired kiln, the firing can last from 14 to 18 hours, requiring constant attention to stoke the fire. It creates a real sense of anticipation due to the process’s organic nature. The kiln is only lit about four times a year, and can hold around a hundred pieces.”
With no intention of mass production, David’s pottery harmonises functionality with beauty. He emphasises, “Everything is bespoke and unique. Items may have a common theme, but no two pieces are the same.” Having attracted buyers from around the world who appreciate the stunning uniqueness of his pottery, David specialises in creating mugs, jugs, platters, bowls, and vases. “I’m looking for form and function whenever I create a piece, so that they can either be used as an ornamental piece, or as an everyday object,” he says.
While earthy tones predominantly grace David’s work, he enjoys experimenting with different colours, textures, and glaze effects. While he is committed to following his own creative instincts, he credits the remarkable tutors and potters at Auckland Potters Studio for their influence, along with the work of 1970s potters, such as Bernard Leach and Michael Cardew.
Recently David and Isabella have resolved their olive oil business to free up their time and commitments, and of course, for David, this means more time pursuing what he loves best. “Moving out of the city and embracing my passion for pottery has been the best decision I ever made. I have never looked back. I believe it’s so important to follow your heart in life and to lead a balanced lifestyle. Life is too short to not live it how you want to.” The studio is open by appointment.
www.MahurangiOlives.co.nz | 021 952 636