Biography

Wairarapa-based artist Kirsty Gardiner creates whimsical ceramic sculptures inspired by birds, moths, nature, and the wonder of childhood. Rich in detail and character, her works blend influences from natural history, mythology, and museum collections, transforming familiar creatures into imaginative storybook forms.

Working in clay since the 1980s, Gardiner has developed a distinctive sculptural practice that combines skilled craftsmanship with playful storytelling. Her years working at Aratoi Museum of Art and History in Masterton fostered a fascination with artefacts, curiosities, and the narratives they carry, influences that continue to shape her work today.

Gardiner's sculptures have been widely recognised, including at the Portage Ceramic Awards, where she won the Premier Award.