Matua – Clay Sculpture

Fiona Bryant is currently based in Gisborne, where she works from her ceramic studio and gallery. Fiona’s relationship with clay started in her earlier years- as a child, she used to dig up the clay from her backyard to craft birds’ nests. This initial curiosity of the past became an integral stepping stone into the future of her art practice. In 2013, Fiona completed a diploma in Māori Visual Arts through Te Wānanga O Aotearoa in Gisborne. While she is also a painter and sculptor, she is largely known for her ceramic work and creates a range of sculptures- homewares, wall hangings, adornments, and jewellery. Fiona’s jewellery and adornments are a direct reflection of Te Taiao, often replicating flora and animals endemic to Aotearoa, such as Pōhutukawa, Kina, Kawakawa, and Kōwhai, into ageless ceramic forms. In contrast, her ‘Mana Tangata’ series showcases ceramic statue figures that focus on the Mana of people, specifically in honour of her Te Aitanga a Mahaki tīpuna. Some of her most popular works are ceramic homeware staples - mugs, tumblers, platters, bowls, vases, etc.