My name is Carin de Groot and I am based in the beautiful and quiet village of Kakahi. Kakahi is situated in the King Country in the North Island of New Zealand. Kakahi has a population of around 100 people and is surrounded by farmland and bush. Kakahi harbours more than it’s fair share of artists: wood turning, garden art, photography, writers etc.

In November 1999 I arrived in New Zealand, emigrating from the Netherlands. I fell in love with New Zealand and have been calling this country home ever since. I moved to Kakahi in January 2011 and love my little slice of paradise. I own a lifestyle block of 19 acres on which I run a small number of livestock. I am a sole practitioner veterinarian, which is my main occupation. My hobbies, arts and crafts I do in my spare time. I also do a bit of woodwork, basket weaving and have a large garden too. You can imagine my days are pretty busy!!

My ceramic journey started in early 2025 when I attended a demonstration by ceramic artist and teacher Fred Gordon. Fred is an American ceramicist who has been coming to New Zealand every year for 4-5 months since forever, at least 30 years. Fred ignited a spark in me that quickly developed into an uncontrollable fire. I fell in love with everything pottery and at the moment I make most of my pieces on the wheel. It is an interesting journey with a very steep learning curve.

I am lucky enough to have a studio at the back of my garden where I can spend whole days without realising it, the time just flies by. I have my own kiln now and I am learning lots about firing with mostly trial and error. There are so many things I want to make including tiles and murals, mosaics, slab & mold build pieces etc. There is so much to learn and so many possibilities. I have only just dipped my toe in the world of surface decorations but want to learn a lot more about that.

I think it is important to make pieces that are functional as well as decorative, so you’ll find my pieces are mostly made for every day use. Right now that is my main focus but that might change on the future.

If you have any questions, suggestions, requests please feel free to message me.

Happy browsing!!