Nicci Neilson

Nicci Neilson, Picton

Originally from England, Nicci earned a BA in Fine Art from the University of Canterbury Kent in 1996. After graduation, she spent a decade traveling the world, creating expressive landscape paintings that found homes in galleries and institutions like BBC London and Addenbrookes Hospital.

In 2005, Nicci moved to New Zealand, where she continued her artistic journey, teaching art to primary school children and working from her studio in Waitohi Picton.

More recently, Nicola has delved into the world of ceramics, a medium that has captivated her with its tactile nature and the intimate connection it fosters between artist and material. Drawn to the hands-on process of shaping clay, she discovered a resonance with her already established organic approach to design.

Her vessels are meticulously handcrafted using a variety of clays, each chosen for its unique properties and the way it interacts with the tools and techniques she employs. The construction of each piece is slow and deliberate. The decorative patterns that adorn her vessels are just as essential as the form itself. Nicola employs the wax resist technique to create bold, dynamic patterns that complement the curves and contours of each piece.

For Nicola, working with clay is more than just a creative pursuit; it is a process of deep connection with the material. The clay retains every mark, every impression made during the crafting process. This quality gives each piece a unique character.