Jim Fulton & Debra Powell
Debra Powell is an accomplished studio potter. Now working from her home studio, Debra specialises in sculptural work and stoneware, producing pieces that resonate with emotional depth and craftsmanship. With a degree focused on clay and sculpture, Debra’s early career was enriched by her involvement in various artist collectives, such as Where the Wild Things Are in Hamilton and Left Makers Collective in Cambridge. These experiences fostered a strong sense of community and collaboration, which continues to influence her work.
After an earlier fulfilling period in academia, where she completed a PhD, Debra returned to her pottery practice with renewed passion. The shift to an online store during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed her to engage directly with collectors, transforming the way she experiences feedback and the impact of her work. One of the most rewarding aspects of her practice is creating memorial sculptures, particularly of beloved pets, where the emotional response of her clients has reaffirmed the value of her craft. Debra finds profound satisfaction in knowing her work brings comfort and joy to others, making her creative efforts truly meaningful.
“Now I’m continually getting feedback from people who tell me how it affects them emotionally… I always assumed I was just making stupid clay rabbits for rich ladies, but now I see the real impact my work has.” – Debra Powell
Jim Fulton is a performing artist and musician with a rich and unconventional creative journey. After completing a degree from the University of Waikato in the 1980s, he found himself on a government-funded scheme which allowed him to work as a performing artist and puppeteer, earning a living wage for his creative endeavours—a concept he still finds wonderfully bizarre. It was during this time that he co-founded the Big Muffin Serious Band with his collaborator, Graham Cairns. Over the past 41 years, the band has become a significant part of Jim’s life, touring extensively throughout New Zealand, recording eight albums, and even performing overseas.
Jim’s approach to creativity is intuitive and spontaneous. He believes that creativity often emerges in unexpected places and that anticipating it can stifle its natural flow. His music, which he describes as “actively joyful,” is filled with laughter, singing and a deep sense of satisfaction. Jim also views creativity as an essential part of being human, something that connects us and makes us unique.
Today, he continues to explore the fringes of performance, recording murder ballads with his partner Deb on unconventional instruments, simply for the love of creating.
“The thing about creative work is that it’s rarely linear. It’s more about being open to where the journey takes you, even if it’s not where you first intended to go.” – Jim Fulton
Based in Te Pahu, this creative duo blends their distinct artistic practices to explore emotional depth and spontaneity in their work. For them, creativity is a journey of connection and discovery, where unexpected inspirations lead to meaningful experiences that resonate with their audiences.