Creative & Brave
STUDIO VISIT
Each month we visit one of our local stockists for a little tour of their space a cuppa tea and a good old catch up. We’d love to share these moments with you. During our studio visits we hope capture some insights for you, to share our artist's stories and to show you little windows into their creative spaces…where all the magic happens.
On any day you will find Bob Steiner in full creative mode in his light filled Avondale Studio. A striking wall composition of his iconic ceramic ornaments greets you at the entrance, today his luscious hibiscus flowers and new honey bees are in pride of place. The perfect greeting to his studio which literally buzzes with industry!
The Steiner Ceramics studio is a large and airy space. Purpose built to accommodate his team of talented makers and all the tools which go into bringing his sculptural creations to life. Tall shelves line the walls and are neatly stacked with ceramic molds, sculptures in production and beautifully finished pieces waiting to be packed and sent off to their new homes.
Bob Steiner has been expressing his ideas through clay since he was 14. His early curiosity with clay and obvious talents were recognised by his father who built Bob his first throwing wheel. From there Bob went on to study pottery formally at Elam and in the decades since has worked endlessly to develop his craft.
Our most popular Steiner products at Creative & Brave are his striking three dimensional wall ornaments. This range of wall art celebrates our local natural world and every year a new piece is added. Bob’s talent for sculpting shines through these realistic yet perfectly stylised versions of native flowers, animals and insects.
Bob finds inspiration in the natural world and has contributed his artistic talents towards fundraising events and awareness campaigns to promote the conservation of New Zealand native birds and plants. Bob’s Kokako bird project was created in association with the supporters of Tiritiri Matangi and was the inspiration for our current Endangered Birds range of jugs.
Bob Steiner’s studio allows something wonderful to happen. A moment of inspiration from one of Bob’s bush walks has the ability to transform into something real, an object of art or a beautifully sculpted jug.
Words by Tui Miller. Video and images by Amber Hankins.
Bob Steiner is a renowned New Zealand ceramic artist and potter based in Auckland. Coming from a background in the handcrafted pottery traditions of New Zealand Bob offers handmade sculptural ceramic tiles that capture the essence of Aotearoa's fauna and flora. Bob Steiner also creates tableware at his ceramics studio which is available in a wide range from contemporary designer pieces to Pacific and Kiwiana inspired ranges. Many of Bob’s pieces have become collectible over the passed decades and every ear he adds new pieces to his collection.
We know you love to support local because you are investing into your community and neighbors. Through you we are growing small businesses, supporting livelihoods and endorsing the bravery of creative enterprise. Thank you.
We have always felt that Texan Art Schools was a bit confusing for our customers, especially those just getting to know us; what did we have to do with Texas or Texans?!? Were we a school?? Or did we sell art supplies??
However, it wasn't easy to find a new name for such an iconic business that's been around for so long, we really wanted to find the right name...
Please drop us a line if you are in tune with our philosophies and think Creative & Brave is the perfect space to sell your work and tell your story.
We have five retail stores in Auckland and have dreams to set up shops all throughout the country. We hope to grow in order represent more local creatives whilst delivering our unique retail experience to more shoppers.
Enter your details here or email us at newmarket@texanartschools.co.nz We look forward to meeting you.
