Kaiqi Qiu

Born in China and shaped by time spent in New York during her early twenties, Kaiqi brings a cross-cultural perspective and a background in communication to her ceramic practice. She is interested in how stories, emotions and memories can be held in objects.

Working from her home studio in Grey Lynn, Tāmaki Makaurau, Kaiqi draws inspiration from the fluidity and resilience of the natural world. Forms and textures found in native bush, bark, trees, fungi, lichen and wood grain are translated into vessels, beginning on the wheel before being developed through hand-built alterations.

In 2026, Kaiqi received the Auckland Studio Potters Residency Award at Fire & Clay for her Kauri Ikebana Vase. Her residency at Driving Creek in the Coromandel deepened her relationship with local materials and introduced her to local clay, ash glazes and wood firing. Kaiqi now works between the spontaneity of wood firing, where fire and ash leave unpredictable traces across the surface, and the control of electric firing, exploring softer forms and restrained surfaces.

Through her work, Kaiqi creates functional objects that feel at home in the hands. Pieces that invite connection, reflection and a deeper appreciation of everyday rituals.