Meet Denise Porter-Howland

Denise Porter-Howland is a multi-disciplinary artist working in Tāmaki Makaurau. She holds a BFA from Central St Martins; and in 2018 launched Eleventeen Ceramics.

On 12 August, Porter-Howland will launch her pop-up fundraiser store titled Born Slippy at Artspace Aotearoa. Hosted inside the gallery’s edition space, Eleventeen Ceramics will showcase the label’s latest collection of hand-crafted ceramics that reflect the artist's affinity with shoes.

The collection is an ensemble of iconic high-end footwear and classic sneakers. Scattered amongst banana skins, burnt-out cigarettes and discarded shoelaces, Born Slippy unfolds a story of personal triumph and disaster. Through subtle enquiry, Eleventeen ceramics asks the audience how footwear can shape narrative around strength and vulnerability.

40% of the proceeds from the sale of these works will go to support Artspace Aotearoa.

The Art Paper: How did your love for art start?

My love for art began late in my teens. I was working in an art department producing annual reports for a Wellington based PR company—not very creative but I was saving to go and live in London. 6 months after my arrival to the UK I applied to St Martins and began studying Fine Arts, I was also working at a bar in Soho and constantly in and out of galleries. I felt like I had found my world—I just had to figure out how to belong.

Walk us through a typical day.

My day begins with breakfast with my youngest son Arjun then yoga and then I get straight into what ever is awaiting me on my ceramic production line. Early mornings are great to start with hand building as my mind is fresh and clear. It’s also a good time for glazing if the sky is bright; natural light is my best friend. Working from home calls for good time management and lots of podcasts! Arlo Ceramics in Birkdale do my firing so there is a constant flow of prepping work for them, dropping off and collecting. Afternoons are often spent hand carving and sanding—I’ll even get the Dremel out if required. I discard very little so even if a piece comes back from bisque firing with a crack or imperfection, I’ll drill it out and reform it into something new. I constantly make notes in my diary throughout the day…just little things to remember that will emerge in my work in some way, sometimes its just a thought or feeling.

What inspires you? 

Inspiration comes from many sources. A lot of my work is self-referential so I could be analysing what I am going through personally at that time. Moments of introspection are quite vital for me. I also love colours—old colours and the visual impact they have on me. Sometimes when I can’t sleep at night I’ll be thinking about a particular green. I am also a dedicated follower of fashion so I have on my phone a load of screenshots of random stuff. Martine Rose is an incredible inspiration, I am constantly going over docos and podcasts featuring her. Her creative drive and resilience is exceptional and a great reminder that your chosen path is not necessarily an easy ride. I am also inspired by nature.

What was the first ceramic piece you made?

The first piece of ceramic I ever made was a hanging plaster sculpture. It was a presentation of stylised human bones that, when suspended, turned and moved and depending on the light could cast beautiful shadows. Sadly my cat tried to swing from it and it fell and broke.

Favourite shoe you’ve ever worn and why?

There are quite a few favourites. Maybe my Margiela Tabi boots purchased from Zambesi over 25 years ago!! I don’t wear them often but there was a time in the late ’90s where they were a part of my daily uniform. They have a wonderful cylindrical heel for elevation, the toes and body the boot are so worn it appears as an extension of me and it actually goes with everything. So great now with a tracksuit.

Dream shoe for a date?

Ohhhhhh! I think the Nike Tailwind for a fast getaway (if necessary).

Would you say you have a foot fetish?

No foot fetish! Just an appreciation and devotion.

If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, from any time period, who would it be and why? 

My sister Alivia and my brother Jonny! We didn’t grow up together and we are still learning about each other but we are like a little band. They are the most creative, motivated and intelligent people I know—every conversation is to be valued…and we share the same sense of humour.

What’s your favourite book?

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

If you won the lottery, what would you do in the next 24 hours? 

Lotto!!!! Oh goodness! I would crawl into bed and rest and if I am really lucky I would sleep.

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