Caitlin Moloney (Multidisciplinary Artist) - Altbays Table Talk #247

The place we live, combined with our cultural background, can be a massive inspiration for artistic work. Caitlin Moloney is an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, Australian-born, of Celtic, Iberian, and Northwest European descent. She discovered the Coromandel clay community at Driving Creek Railway and Potteries in 2005 and was taught skills by local and international artists. Caitlin joins for a kōrero at the ALTBAYS Table Talk with another top artist, Emma Evangeline, and Leo Magri. 

Show 247 – Caitlin Moloney (Multidisciplinary Artist)

Welcome to the Altbays Table Talk (feat. Emma Evangeline and Leo Magri)

  Caitlin Moloney is an Australian born multidisciplinary artist of Celtic, Iberian and north west European descent. Her early exposure to multiculturalism, community care and social justice has instilled in her a deep curiosity to explore an integrated culture in a colonised world. In her making Caitlin turns repeatedly to the rhythm and shapes found in nature, our plants and animals - and their constant renewal.

Pattern has been with Caitlin since she was a small child.  When drifting off to sleep at night she would imagine every piece of treasure that ever sunk to the bottom of the ocean tucked away in her garden. She envisioned piles of glistening gold, colourful fabric and jewels that could be draped all over her body.  There was nothing she wanted more than to be surrounded by beautiful things and today, as a full-time artist living in the tranquil Coromandel, New Zealand, Caitlin embodies that vision.

Growing up in Brisbane, Australia,  Caitlin struggled with being highly sensitive and yearned for an elusive sense of safety away from this fast paced culture, which only strengthened her inner world.  Caitlin's sensitivity to her environment has given her an acute appreciation of the importance of the wellbeing experienced our personal and public spaces. 

   Arriving in Aotearoa in 2004, at age twenty-six, Caitlin instantly connected with the Coromandel and was struck by the peaceful nature of the landscape.  She felt like her body could relax, finally, after running on empty for so long.   

   Finding the Coromandel clay community at Driving Creek Railway and Potteries in 2005, Caitlin was taught skills by local and international artists. Driving Creek is an environment shaped by living so close to the earth, in rhythm with the land. This has formed a community of unconventional makers, supporting Caitlin's creative growth with grassroots learning.

ALTBAYS Table Talk invites awesome people from Aotearoa to have an honest, laid-back conversation. Our platform focuses on bringing communities together to grow and thrive.