About
I'm Charlotte, a mixed media artist with an MA in Fine Art, making ceramics inspired by Auckland's west coast, New Zealand.
I grew up in Cornwall. In summer the golden beaches filled with tourists, packed in like sardines. In the grey, wet winter months the blustery shores and clifftop walks were mine alone. I walked for hours, resting on rocky outcrops to watch the waves crash and feel the salt spray on my skin.
The first time I saw the Gap at Piha, it took me straight back to the west coast of Cornwall. I return to Auckland's wild west coast beaches often now, to recharge and to ground myself, and sometimes I bring something back: shells, flotsam, sand or seawater. It always finds its way into the clay, either physically or emotionally.
My earlier work was in photography and painting. My solo exhibitions, FATHOM (2023) and DWELL (2024), explored emotion, the ocean and the liminal spaces of the shoreline. I moved into ceramics to build things with my hands in the way that my mother does now, and her father before her. I feel connected to them through this medium.
Studio Abyss is named for the depths: the weight of deep water, the pull of the tide, and the way we describe how we feel in the language of the sea. Keeping your head above water. Being out of your depth. Coming up for air... The Victorians went to the seaside to recover. I feel the same pull.
Contact
The best way to reach me is by email. I read everything and reply as soon as I can.
You can also find me on Instagram, where I post work in progress and new pieces, @studioabyss.nz.
If you're asking about an order, please include your name and the piece you bought, so I can find it quickly.
FAQ
Shipping, returns, care and privacy. Tap a question to open it.
Shipping and delivery
Where do you ship, and how much does it cost?
Everything goes by tracked courier with NZ Post Courier, packing included. Choose your island at checkout.
| North Island | South Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Small pieces cups, mugs, bud vases, small bowls, cat dishes | $25 NZD | $25 NZD |
| Large pieces vases, jugs, plate sets | $35 NZD | $60 NZD |
Rural addresses cost the same. I ship anywhere in New Zealand that NZ Post Courier delivers at its standard rates, including islands such as Waiheke and Stewart Island, which use the rate for the nearest main island. The Chatham Islands and Great Barrier Island cost extra to reach, so please email me before ordering. I don't ship overseas.
How soon will my order be sent?
I work a regular 9 to 5 job to pay the bills, buy toys for my spoiled cat and fund my art. Studio Abyss is my priority outside those hours, so orders go out at the next window where my time and the local post office's hours line up. Each piece is wrapped carefully for the journey, and you'll get the tracking number by email.
Can I buy more than one piece and ship them together?
Yes. Your whole order is packed together in one parcel to save on shipping. Email me with the pieces you'd like and I'll send you one payment link for all of them.
Returns
What if my piece arrives damaged?
Please email me within 48 hours of delivery with a photo of the piece and the packaging. I'll refund you in full, including shipping. You don't need to send the broken piece back, but if you'd like to keep it, I may be able to repair it with kintsugi, rejoining the pieces with gold. There is a cost for this service, so email me if you'd like to consider it.
Can I return a piece if I change my mind?
Because every piece is one of one, I don't accept returns or give refunds for change of mind. Refunds are only for pieces that arrive damaged, as above. Nothing in this policy limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Your pieces
Are your pieces food safe, and how do I care for them?
All food and drink pieces are glazed with food-safe commercial glazes. Mugs and cups are hot-water tested, and dishwasher and microwave safe, though hand washing is recommended for longevity. Vases, plates and bowls are best washed by hand. For every piece, avoid sudden temperature changes, such as moving it straight from the fridge to hot water.
Why might my piece look a little different from the photos?
Imperfect, wonky, & full of unique character. Every piece is made and glazed by hand. Variations in colour, glaze pooling, pinholes and the marks of making are part of the piece, not faults. The photos show the actual piece you will receive.
I try to show the colours of every piece as accurately as possible. Screens display colour differently, though, so the glaze may look slightly different in person.
How do I hear about new pieces first?
New work goes on sale in timed drops. Join the newsletter and you'll get access to every drop a full 30 minutes before it opens to everyone.
Privacy
What do you do with my personal information?
This site is run by Charlotte Johnson, trading as Studio Abyss, in New Zealand. I collect only what I need to send your order and, if you ask for it, the newsletter.
Orders: payments are handled by Stripe. I receive your name, email, delivery address and what you bought, and use them to send and support your order. I never see your full card details.
Newsletter: if you join the list, your email address is stored with MailerLite and used only to send Studio Abyss emails. Every email has an unsubscribe link.
Under the Privacy Act 2020 you can ask to see or correct the information I hold about you. Email hello@studioabyss.co.nz.
Rising from the abyss
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