About SHUP
SHUP has been set up by me - Sharon Hill. My wholesome farm upbringing in Taranaki was followed by 20 years living in the soul-nourishing creativity of Wellington. Now based in sunny Marlborough, I’m lucky to be immersed in a rich community of local potters surrounded by a stunning landscape and light that provides endless inspiration.
Perfectly imperfect pottery
My ceramics are one-off handmade pieces that fit with one of several series but could never be called replicas. Each piece is unique and is crafted by me in my Marlborough studio.
Largely useable tableware but occasionally just for looks, every piece is dishwasher and microwave-proof and sealed with food safe glazes. In general they should be fully waterproof but this is not a 100% guarantee for vases or planters holding water over a period of time.
Made to be used they are pretty solid in general, they have been known to bounce and not break. But don’t try this at home.
I mainly use stoneware clay as I find it suits handmaking, has a lovely speckle and works well with my preferred glazes.
The road to SHUP
I have been creative all my life. It’s in my blood if not my DNA.
From a farm and a family of Virgos who love numbers, I’m strictly a one of a kind in the Hill clan. Sometimes even called weird and unusual. Certainly the odd one out.
I just smile and give them pottery...
My artistic path started out with painting and collage at college and, while I lived in Wellington, this morphed into printmaking, and design and interior decorating through university and beyond. Writing and creativity has always been part of my day job, then more recently I took up pottery when we moved to beautiful Marlborough.
It’s been two years of trial and error and questionable present giving - bless my very polite family and friends.
Now I’m finally at a point where I’m not embarrassed about my pieces, in fact I love them and am confident you - or those you buy them for - will too.
