What started as a fun, small project—making ceramic slugs for an eco-art festival—has turned into an unexpected and rewarding path. As I shared my creations, more people began asking about my tiny sculptures, particularly the slugs and mushroom pieces. These miniature works found a home not only with art lovers but in select Tamaki Makaurau galleries as well.
Creating each slug is a thoughtful process, as every one is hand-formed with care. Recently, I had the chance to push my craft further by creating a larger piece for a gallery show. This marked my third consecutive year participating in the Emerging Artists Awards at Upstairs Gallery. My featured work, The Slow Path, was a real challenge—the piece was difficult to balance during the formation process, and fitting it into my tiny kiln was no small feat!
Here’s the statement I shared:
The Slow Path is a large ceramic wall piece featuring a continuous flowing path, dotted with slugs. It is a reflection on the journeys we take, the people we meet along the way, and the communities that shape and support us. This work is dedicated to the family and friends who uplift us, and to the artist communities that inspire and challenge us to grow. It’s an homage to the idea that art is not created in isolation but through shared experiences, conversations, and collective inspiration.
The slugs in the piece symbolize the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world. They invite us to notice our surroundings, to be present in the moment, and to step away from the constant pull of screens and endless information. In a society that often feels overwhelming, The Slow Path advocates for art as an outlet for mental health—a reminder to breathe, to reflect, and to find peace in the everyday.
Community, to me, is what we create together. An ever-evolving tapestry of collaboration and connection. In this work, I hope to capture that spirit: the joy of sharing our stories, the strength found in our diversity, and the beauty that emerges when we choose to travel together.
For those interested in seeing where this journey goes next, keep an eye out for updates on my website or social media pages @karenwildeart (where I mention any gallery deliveries) for a chance to own one of my unique, mindful sculptures.
Animal Sculptures by Karen Wilde NZ 