Hey, I’m Rose Petal.

I am a visual artist and ceramicist originally from Dunedin and now based in Mt Maunganui.

Before I left Dunedin in 2023,  I studied art and ceramics at Otago Polytechnic.

Shaping clay without the use of a potter’s wheel has become the main way l express myself creatively. With my hands, fingers and a few basic tools l manipulate clay using my intuition, past learnings and imagination.

This close connection to the medium and sometimes playful experimentation guides me in the making of authentic pieces and the search for original design. Each piece tells its own story and carries a very personal imprint of my hands.

I also enjoy painting and I’m refining my skills in traditional hand-poke tattooing. The shared intensity and closeness of the tattooing process often becomes a flow-state meditation that adds so much to the meaning and quality of the artistic outcome.

I have a deep respect for nature, the ocean and marine life. This affinity and an interest in conservation is reflected in many of the pieces I create. My dream would be to make a living from my art and as I continue to improve my own skills I’d also like to encourage others to embrace their creativity and give art a try.

I welcome commissions and enjoy personalising artworks with symbols and ideas that relate to those I’m in conversation with.

You can see my creations on Instagram @by.the.sea_rp and can also contact me at bythesea.creative.rp@gmail.com