About Wilma

 I’ve always had a compulsive drive to create.

From early childhood growing up in Curaçao, my island of origin, I would make cups, saucers and figurines with the mud that resulted from the seasonal rain.

Emigrating to New Zealand, the need arose to make items for myself, including clothes, shoes and handbags.

It was at Intermediate school I had the opportunity to come across clay and have it fired.

I was torn between fabric and design, and ceramics.

A chance meeting with an apprentice potter from  USA, who wanted to buy from me a tapestry of a village design that I transposed from clay to fabric, led me to further possibilities with clay.

In 1974 New Zealand, pottery was held in high esteem, and I decided to follow that route. It was the prestigious ‘in thing’, edgy, along with the post hippie era, tie dyed clothing, macramé and ‘groovy’ stuff.

Being self-taught, I followed my own path, rather than fulfill the requirements of being an apprentice, and did not dare call myself a potter, let alone a ceramicist.

Having gone through a life cycle in this field, re-inventing myself every 5-7 years I’m now focused on my houses, New Zealand native birds, and the occasional flutter of some new idea, alongside the workshops I host in my studio.

New work is now developing for the future phase, it’s a never-ending evolvement.

Willemein Jennings

WJE Potter’s Mark

My work is easily distinguished with my potter’s mark, stamped on the underside of every piece I’ve created since I began my journey as a potter.

  • I have done a clay workshop WITH wilma in the past. She is clear in what we were going to achieve with good instructions. I enjoyed the experience as the environment was nice. Wilma was very good at offering advice to help me achieve a good outcome for my clay pieces.

    Lyn Scott

  • I attended one workshop to make Humperdink Houses and another for poppies. I loved them both. Previously I had done some claywork. Wilma was well prepared for each class, ensuring all participants had success. Creativity/individuality was encouraged and supported by Wilma. I left each class feeling it was my work, as Wilma answered my endless questions but did not complete my work for me. Once glazed, the pieces took on their own personality. I have proudly included all my pieces in my garden, and am proud to show others what I have made.

    Judith Kilgour

  • Never having done any claywork before I opted for a themed workshop, so I had some expectation. The instructions suited me and Wilma was supportive in encouraging me with some suggestions how to enhance my project. I loved how my pieces turned out.

    Carol Biggar

  • I had done some clay art work a long time ago, and knew what to expect re: process, but a model horse challenge was a nice surprise. Wilma is a patient and encouraging teacher, with great advice. It was definitely a relaxing environment, the most relaxed I had felt all week! My horse started to look a little stumpy and Wilma saved the day with some leg extensions. I was able to design my project as I saw fit and was pleased and surprised with what I could make in less than 2 hours. I would you do this again, and recommend it to others. It was a fantastic morning and keen to do more!

    Isaac Whatnall

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, iCLAW
  • Never having touched clay before, it was all very new to me. Wilma's instructions were just right. She had her work cut out on the day, but there was great encouragement from her, as well as the other participants. The introduction was good and then help along the way. I was assisted to develop my ideas for my truly unique piece. Although Wilma showed us an example of what we would be making, we were left to develop something individual to ourselves. My result was by no means a masterpiece, I was pleased I was able to complete something close to resembling a horse, (donkey). I would do it again and recommend it. It isn’t so much about making something of art gallery standard, it was the giving it a go and sharing in an experience that was the most beneficial. I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to give this a go, and thank Wilma for her time and patience in helping me on the day.

    Graham Roberts

    Participant in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, Investment Adviser at Craigs Investment Partners
  • I hadn't done any clay work before, and didn't know what to expect. Wilma's instructions were perfect, it was an encouraging environment, and along the way receiving some valuable gems of wisdom! Im surprised... it actually looked like a horse...of sorts! This is a great creative space to be in - Go For Gold! It was a Brilliant event and I am really glad I got involved.

    Wayne Cooney

    Participating in the 'Make a Horse' challenge, Wise Cover & Advice. (Insurance Adviser)