Mike Hooton

Mike Hooton, born in Auckland in 1975, took his first and only ceramics class at the age of 16. He currently resides on the Kaipara Harbour, where he works as a studio potter from his home studio, Magpie Art Studio.

A deep passion for ceramic chemistry runs through his work practice. Mike has always taken pride in developing and creating his own glazes, and he is particularly drawn to texture and the reflective qualities of glaze. He also enjoys crafting clay bodies from local clays.

His firing process includes both reduction and oxidation methods.

Most of Mike’s pieces are wheel-thrown, though he integrates hand-built sculptural elements into his thrown works.

Over the years, Mike has exhibited at numerous galleries throughout New Zealand. Some of his most memorable exhibitions have been with his partner, Laura Worrall. His work can be found across New Zealand, with pieces in the UK, the US, Australia, and Asia.

Mike’s body of work reflects his diverse passions, which have included Mycology, history, and the integration of ceramics within various cultures.