Sam Quinn
Co - owner, Pottery Wheel Instructor
Hi, I'm Sam. My journey into pottery began during the final year of my Fine Arts degree, where I specialized in photography. Despite my love for capturing moments through the lens, I yearned for a more hands-on creative outlet. That's when I discovered pottery, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. Unlike the digital world of photography, pottery offered me a chance to connect with something real and tangible. Instead of spending hours editing photos on my computer, I found joy in shaping clay with my own two hands. It was a grounding experience that sparked my creativity in unexpected ways.
During my time at university, I not only delved deeper into my artistic practice but also shared my knowledge by leading tutorials for fellow students. These teaching experiences opened my eyes to the joy of helping others discover their creative potential.
Now, as an art technician at Burnside High School, I continue to explore the intersection of art and education.
Here at Pottery Capital, I'm thrilled to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for pottery with you. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, my classes offer a supportive environment where you can explore your creativity and learn at your own pace.
Andrea Peacock
Co - owner, Glaze Instructor
Andrea brings a true passion for ceramic painting and glazing. With an eye for detail and a commitment to quality, she helps guide others through the creative process, ensuring every piece reflects both craftsmanship and care. Andrea enjoys working closely with individuals to unlock their creativity, making sure each session feels personal and rewarding.
Grace Schirnack
Social Media Manager
Grace, our social media manager, is the creative force behind our online presence. With a keen understanding of visual storytelling and a passion for connecting with our community, she brings our pottery studio to life across platforms. Grace’s goal is to engage and inspire, sharing the unique stories behind our pieces and the artists who create them. If you’re messaging us on Instagram, she’s the one you’ll be talking to, always ready to help with any questions or inquiries. Her thoughtful approach to content ensures that our studio’s personality shines through, making every post feel as welcoming as stepping into our space.
Judy Macmartin
Co-Owner
Judy was born and raised in New Brighton, where she developed a deep connection to the local community. After raising her family in the area, she has now gone into business with her daughter and grandson, contributing her warmth, experience, and strong family values to the pottery studio. Her lifelong ties to the region and love for creative expression are at the heart of everything we do.
Mark Tamura
Pottery Wheel Instructor
Ōtautahi-based potter Mark Tamura brings a calm, practical and considered approach to teaching wheel throwing. He first came to pottery through night classes, and his teaching draws on that experience of learning the fundamentals as an adult beginner while continuing to develop a focused studio practice.
Mark’s ceramics practice centres on functional tableware, Japanese-influenced simplicity, and an interest in wild clay. Through an artist residency at the Waikato Society of Potters, he developed experience across the wider ceramic process, from clay selection and recycling through to throwing, trimming, glazing and firing.
Alongside his own making, Mark has taught wheel throwing night classes, private one-on-one lessons, corporate workshops and sessions on wild clay sourcing and testing. His teaching is grounded in clear demonstrations, close observation and practical feedback, with an emphasis on building sound technique and confidence at the wheel.
Mark’s approach suits people starting out as well as those looking to strengthen their technique and understanding of the process. He brings patience, attention to detail and first-hand experience as both a maker and teacher, helping students develop their own confidence and direction with clay.