Uli Christoffersen was born into an artistic household in
post-WWII Berlin; her father was a painter, art teacher and set
designer for theatre. After graduating with the Erzieher Diploma in
Social Education in 1976, Christoffersen began to forge her
artistic career, teaching and consolidating her pottery and
sculpture skills by selling works through galleries in West
Germany.
In 1979, Christoffersen travelled to Greece and Mexico,
practicing under the guidance of local artisan sculptors and
potters, before arriving in New Zealand in the early 1980's where
she immediately began exhibiting work. In 1988, Christoffersen
worked alongside noted New Zealand artists Jan White and Barry
Brickell, a collaboration that led her into an intensive exhibition
schedule in the 1990's that included multiple group shows and
solo exhibitions throughout Auckland and the North
Island and culminated in her inclusion in high-profile exhibitions
in Berlin and New York.
Christoffersen's works are spread across multiple media,
although she has a particular penchant for clay pottery and cast
bronze sculpture. As her career has progressed, her work has become
highly influenced by her immersion in New Zealand culture and its
ties with the people and perspectives of the South Pacific island
nations.
Christoffersen is currently completing a sculpture garden
adjacent to her Coromandel studio, where her work will be displayed
amongst a profusion of exotic and native plants.