Thomas Baker
Thomas is a ceramic artist based in Whakatū, with a BFA majoring in sculpture (2011) from Massey University, Wellington. In 2017, Thomas spent a year in Japan, studying ceramics under master potter Seppo Iida and son Michihisa at Hokutoh Studio, Kanazawa. He is co-founder of ceramic studio Kiln, Hot Clay gallery, and a creative director for Nelsons Clay Week.
Heavily influenced by Japanese and Korean cermaic traditions and styles, Thomas plays in the space between traditional studio pottery and experimental sculptures, often mixing the two. Prioritising traditional craft practices, Thomas focuses on local clays and materials, high firing his work using an Anagama kiln.