Ceramic Showcase - Nicola Contreras

3rd May - 26th July 2003

Nicola's vessels are delicate and carry a distinctive unevenness in their shape due to her coiling technique. Her bottles, vases and platters are then carved into to enhance the delicate properties of the translucent porcelain.
Each piece is an individual, they have an organic feel and the carved and rippled surface accentuates the often glazed or coloured interior.

These lustrous finishes hint on Nicola's inspiration, namely the low lying marshey Mersea Island in Essex where Nicola lives. The wild tidal skies, rippled mud, shells in pale sand, clear pools in rough marsh are all reflected in her work.. Her work is beautifully elegant and particularly minimal which is magical.

Nicola was originally trained in fashion and textiles, the evidence of which can be seen in the rich surface texture now incorporated into her ceramic work. She ventured into ceramics whilst living in New York in the early 1980's and learnt wheel throwing. She then decided to concentrate on coiling porcelain and moved back to the Uk to set up her studio.

Since returning to the UK, Nicola has taken part in many group and solo exhibitions and her work has been featured in a number of publications, including Ideal Home Magazine, Elle Decoration and Homes and Gardens.

All pieces will be for sale and some items will be available to purchase through the Interest Free Credit Art Loan Scheme.

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