My Sanctuary for Clay and Connection
Ayni is home to Erica's Creations
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AYNI?
AYNI is the home of Argentine artist, artesana and ceramicist Erica Soria, currently based in New Zealand.
The name Ayni comes from an Andean principle of reciprocity: the understanding that life is shaped through giving and receiving, mutual care, and our relationship with one another and the world around us.
What began as a ceramics studio in Auckland in 2024 has evolved into something broader: an evolving artistic practice rooted in clay, creativity, connection and transformation.
Who is Erica Soria?
Erica Soria is an Argentine artist and ceramicist currently based in New Zealand.
Her practice is rooted in clay and moves between ceramics, sculpture, installation, writing, ritual and other forms of creative exploration.
Her work is influenced by nature, dreams, human connection, transformation and the quiet rituals of everyday life.
You can learn more about Erica and her artistic journey here.
What kind of work does Erica create?
Clay remains at the heart of the practice, but the work is not limited to functional pottery.
Erica creates handmade ceramics, sculptural works, vessels, installations and site-responsive projects, often exploring ideas of connection, presence, transformation, silence and belonging. She does what she feels the projects need and collaborate accordingly with the space and the people around it, to deliver the message she is meant to.
Some projects are intimate and object-based; others expand into space and experience.
You can explore current and past projects through Projects.
Where is AYNI based?
AYNI is currently based in Auckland, New Zealand.
The practice is no longer centred around a public-facing pottery studio. Erica's creative work now unfolds from a more intimate working environment, alongside exhibitions, installations, collaborations and other projects.
Public events, exhibitions and opportunities to experience the work are shared through the website, Instagram and the Alchemy newsletter.
Can I visit the studio?
AYNI is no longer operating as a public pottery studio with regular opening hours.
Because the practice is evolving into a more private working space, studio visits are not generally available. But please contact hola@ayni.co.nz, if you are interested in exploring her work.
When there are exhibitions, open studios, installations or other opportunities to experience the work in person, these will be announced through Projects, Instagram and Alchemy.
Can I buy Erica's ceramics?
Yes.
Selected handmade ceramics and other works are available through the ceramics collection, with new work released as it becomes available.
Some pieces are functional and intended to become part of everyday rituals; others are more sculptural or experimental.
Because each piece is handmade, small variations in form, texture, colour and surface are part of what makes each work unique.
Does Erica accept commissions?
From time to time, Erica accepts commissions that feel aligned with her artistic practice.
She works best when there is room for creative interpretation rather than a completely predetermined outcome. Each commission is approached as a dialogue between intention, material and process.
If you have an idea or feel drawn to working with Erica, you are welcome to get in touch at hola@ayni.co.nz.
Does Erica offer pottery classes or workshops?
Ayni is shifting skins and has stepped away from regular pottery teaching.
Erica's energy and focus are entirely dedicated to her independent artistic practice, installation projects, and creative exploration.
There are no active or scheduled public workshops at this time.
Can I enquire about a private group experience?
Erica is currently not accepting bookings for private group events or functions.
While the future format of shared experiences remains open, her studio space is closed to public bookings so she can preserve her creative energy for upcoming projects.
What materials does Erica work with?
Clay is the central material within Erica's practice, but her work can extend beyond ceramics.
She is interested in the physical and emotional qualities of materials... their texture, weight, fragility, transformation and ability to hold traces of human experience.
Materials and processes vary according to each project.
How can I see Erica's work in person?
The best way is to follow the Full Gallery or the Projects section of this website.
Exhibitions, installations, collaborations and other public projects are announced as they unfold.
You can also follow the practice on Instagram or subscribe to Alchemy to receive occasional updates directly from Erica.
How can I stay connected?
You can follow AYNI on Instagram or join Alchemy, Erica's occasional newsletter.
Erica doesn't send emails frequently. Alchemy is a space for sharing reflections, poems, new projects, exhibitions, releases and occasional glimpses into what is unfolding in the practice.
How can I contact Erica?
For enquiries about artwork, commissions, collaborations, exhibitions or other opportunities, please email:
You are also welcome to use the Contact page.
Where can I learn more?
If you are discovering AYNI for the first time, these are good places to begin:
About — meet Erica and learn about the practice.
Projects — explore exhibitions, installations and creative projects.
Ceramics — explore available handmade ceramic works.
Alchemy — receive occasional reflections and updates from Erica.
Instagram — follow the visual unfolding of the practice.
