At her Nelson‑based ceramics studio, Rebecca “Bee” Young shapes clay into “functional ceramics with whimsical additions.” Having put her creativity on the back burner for many years, Bee joined the welcoming community at Nelson Community Potters after the arrival of her second child. With a strong knack for science and experimentation, she quickly immersed herself in the craft and was hooked. “After around a year I was encouraged by some supportive friends to have a go at selling my work. My first stockist was The Little Beehive, and this gave me confidence to put more time into pottery and start making more.”
Turning a hobby into a part-time business, with her nickname “Bee” as inspiration, Potterbee was born: a studio committed to functional ceramics with a flair for everyday use.
“Pottery is a slow process, and it is very humbling because a lot can go wrong during each stage. I love the flow of throwing pots on the wheel and the almost meditative practice of slowing down and focusing on the task at hand. Firing in the kiln is exciting, each firing takes about three days, so opening a kiln is a bit like opening a surprise gift, there is always a chance that the kiln might not have produced the expected result, so it is a continual learning process.”
Since launching her business Bee has developed new forms, glaze combinations and techniques that grow out of what she calls “sparks of curiosity.” This continual experimentation has led to a number of core collections of work which she makes for sale online, in shops and at her studio. Trained in chemistry and winemaking, these backgrounds inform her studio practice, especially when developing glazes. Alongside her core collections of tableware, mugs and bowls, Bee also enjoys making sculptures and occasionally shows these larger pieces in exhibitions.
Living and working in the region has been integral to Bee’s creative world. From the support of Nelson Community Potters to annual events like Clay Week Nelson, the local craft community is alive and thriving, she says. “Nelson is an exciting place to be a potter! I feel very lucky to be a creative in this region.”
Bee describes herself as both a student and teacher, saying, “I really enjoy being able to share my skills with people. I have been teaching classes at Nelson Community Potters for a few years now and I also run small classes in my home studio.”
She credits Stephen Robertson from Nelson Pottery Supplies as having been a steadfast support in her journey. “He has been a real support to me over the years; his shop is an asset to our community.”
You’ll find Potterbee’s work online and in person at her home studio at 4 Valley Heights Road. Local stockists include The Little Beehive, Zappekin, Rabbit Island Coffee, RED Gallery, Good For and Woven for Wellness.
