Mud, glorious mud
Photos Kelley Eady
Potty about ceramics, Kelley Eady loves to create with clay, and says it’s her happy place.
If you've ever met Kelley Eady, you will know how passionate she is about all things design. She has always been fond of ceramics; in her teens saving her coins to collect a handmade dinner set, one setting at a time! She then moved on to collecting Crown Lynn and as time went by settled on the Japanese minimalist aesthetic, which has stuck to this day. Her appreciation for all things Japanese has long inspired her work, drawing upon its influence in many of her creative projects.
A few years ago, Kelley decided to pursue her passion for ceramics more seriously. She jumped in, as she does, boots 'n' all, doing courses at The Clay Centre in Auckland, which she has subsequently become a member of. "It's a bit like a gym membership but even more addictive,” she jokes. “Being a creative person, a photographer for the majority of my life, then moving into digital design, creating with clay is something I could see myself continue doing through the years. I love how tangible and mindful it is, with a real calmness that I greatly appreciate. Definitely my happy place."
Kelley's mother says Kelley is a perfectionist, whilst her good friend talks about how much fun she is – there is a striking mix of both in her glorious creations. Her works are all one- offs, each carefully curated; the Japanese influence of wabi-sabi shines through, bringing a sense of originality to whatever she does. Kelley is highly practical, believing her pieces have a real sense of purpose and longevity. Even the vessels she makes for her candles have a new life, long after the candle has burned.
"The Glorious Mud website was created out of my friends' encouragement and their desire to purchase my pieces. I thought, ok, this could work – not only helping with my ongoing clay spend but, more importantly, decluttering the family home and returning it to its minimal aesthetic, as it was fast becoming overwhelmed with my creations,” laughs Kelley.
Kelley's creative pursuits have moved to Mangawhai, where the family recently designed and built their forever home, complete with a designated pottery studio, and she is excited about where this journey will take her. Constantly challenging her boundaries, experimenting with different designs, clays, textures, colours and glazes, she will also be extending her range and works towards one day creating her own candle fragrances.