I first met Vicki Fanning when I visited her studio in Matakana. I was instantly drawn to her art, her ceramics, and the beautiful space she and her partner Mike have created. Their property is a mix of home, gallery, and garden—thoughtful, creative, and full of personality.
- Anna Murray
In this interview, Vicki shares more about her work, her creative process, and the way art, design, and nature come together in her world.
Your work balances delicacy and strength. How would you describe your relationship with the materials you work with — clay and glass?
Clay and glass are both very different materials to work with. Clay is so malleable and forgiving, while glass is direct and precise to work with. I think working with both materials offers a good mix of freedom and focus.
Can you tell us about your studio space? What does a typical day look like for you, or does it change with each project?
My studio is an addition to a converted tractor shed in Matakana beside an 1860’s renovated colonial house built on site. My day is varied: mum, gardener, and artist. Depending on what’s going on with exhibitions, the time of the year, my focus changes to achieve the next “top of the list” undertaking.
How has being based in New Zealand shaped your creative language or relationship with craft?
I’m not particularly planted in the aesthetics of the New Zealand vernacular. I see my art as a conceptual thing, in a narrative of glass as a material, and how we use it in our modern existence. Frolic, my domestic ware ceramics business, is just that, although it is influenced by past employment in the film industry in the catering department. I suppose the desire for a “decent-sized” tea mug could be of ‘kiwi’ culture.
Are there rituals or influences — books, objects, environments — that consistently ground or inspire you?
My garden grounds me, and our dogs. I’d like to say I read a lot, relax and make use of our “reading room” on our property, but no…….I’m way too busy. Other people get to enjoy this when they stay!
What’s next for you — are there materials, scales, or ideas you’re curious to explore in the future?
At the moment, I’m working on an exhibition proposal with a friend. Mike (my partner) and I have also set up a gallery on our property, showcasing our work alongside that of other contemporary artists. I’m currently making lamp bases to exhibit in the space this September, with a friend creating the shades to pair with them.
We’re also in the process of completing the ‘Orchard House’—part gallery, part holiday rental, part show home for Mike’s design business. All of this will come together over the course of a week, with talks and informal gatherings to share and celebrate our work, our love of art and gardens, and to offer tours of the house, garden, and gallery.
How would you describe your personal style, and what is the key to a successful outfit for you?
I think the ability to diversify is key for me. There’s a natural crossover in creative work—the principles of scale, texture, and composition apply whether it’s food, landscaping, clothing or art. We have to be brave and resist following trends. Editing and experimenting is a fluid, ongoing process here. I think that’s part of why people love being on our property—it’s a space that’s evolved to be explored. We both celebrate the decadence of the beautiful.
Vicki Fanning Instagram - Glass
Vicki Fanning Instagram - Frolic Ceramics