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.