Creative Beka Hope on learning a new art form

Beka Hope’s Journey into a New Art Form

March 27, 2022 | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Discovering a New Passion

When Beka Hope, a creative Aucklander, couldn’t find the perfect plates to complement her colorful, cozy Mt Eden flat during the 2020 lockdown, she decided to take matters into her own hands. As a photographer and graphic designer, Beka was accustomed to creative work, but she was eager to try something more hands-on.

The Creative Process

Beka’s journey into ceramics began with a simple bag of clay and a makeshift toolkit. “I didn’t have any tools, so I used a wine bottle to roll out the clay and a kitchen knife for shaping,” she recalls with a laugh. Despite the challenges, Beka found joy in the creative process, embracing the mess and unpredictability of working with clay.

Learning and Growing

With guidance from her friend Krystal Opie, whom she met in art school, Beka navigated the trials and errors of ceramics. “There has been a lot of trial and error,” she admits. “Glazing is pretty fiddly, but it’s worth it when it works.” Beka’s dedication paid off as she developed a line of multicolored, speckled candlestick holders, vases, ramekins, and soap dishes.

A Dedicated Space

Initially, Beka worked on her flat’s front porch, but she eventually took over an empty shed left behind by a neighbor. “It’s been lovely to have a dedicated space that you don’t have to clean up every day!” she says. This space allowed her to fully immerse herself in her new art form.

Embracing the Journey

Beka’s experience with ceramics has taught her valuable lessons about the creative process. “You have to be willing to roll with whatever happens,” she reflects. “I’ve learned to keep going, even when things look bad before they look good.”

Looking Ahead

Although Beka took a hiatus during the most recent lockdown, she is eager to return to her craft. “I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to making some new pieces,” she shares. While many of her ceramics are in use in her flat, she is excited to create more pieces to sell and perhaps even some to keep for herself.

For more information about Beka’s projects, visit her website.