Nichola Cage
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
I am inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, and believe that we should be able to have beautiful, functional things in our homes. The concept of having things which also have been crafted and made by another person, rather than a machine, also chimes with my strong environmental ethos. I feel that if an item speaks to us, we will treasure it, and keep it, and thus not add to the huge amount of waste and discarded things that our society presently produces. My home is full of items I have made, remodelled, sewn, knitted, upcycled, and repaired. Ceramics is a very challenging area in which to aim to minimise environmental impact, but I use electricity only from Green sources, including solar generated on site, and I make much of my packaging myself, from recycled and upcycled materials. Like most potters, I reclaim as much waste clay as I can.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
It is the realisation of a dream I had as a child, but was steered away from to pursue a 'sensible' career in education instead. I was always drawn towards making beautiful things, in a variety of media, and with ceramics, the joy of making durable, useful items which are also beautiful, is incredible. I love colour, and am experimenting with intensely rich, luxe glazes at the moment. The feeling of taking a finished piece out of the kiln, and seeing the way that the glazes have flowed and mixed to produce a unique item, is quite amazing, and addictive! The added bonus of other people possibly also liking my work is quite literally 'the cherry on top' as far as I am concerned.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
I am just starting my journey into Ceramics and have only been throwing for about 2 years now. I have been a maker, of sorts, since childhood, but creativity was pushed into the corners of my life as an educator and parent to 5 children. I expressed myself through my work, my home, and my scant moments for hobbies, but had always wanted to try ceramics. I hesitate to call myself an artist, especially when I consider the work of all the amazing artists I see in our region, but I am making tentative steps towards exploring my creativity in clay, and developing an artistic voice. At present I am trying to soak up as much knowledge and inspiration as I can.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I am so new to ceramics that at present I wouldn't dream of setting myself up to tutor others, at least until I am more accomplished. However, with a background in teaching, I can imagine that it would be hugely rewarding to share creative opportunities with others, especially if they also have perhaps missed the chance to be creative thusfar.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
As a student, my focus was Art and I gained a place to study Fine Art at Ravensbourne. However, due to parental pressure I wasn't able to take up this place, and went on, instead, to study Physical Geography at Cardiff. I became a secondary level teacher; loved it, but always found ways to use the visual arts to communicate ideas to my students. Now, I am able to give myself the space and time to explore my creativity and perhaps start the process of becoming the artist I hoped to be at 18.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
CUP Gallery. Unit 8 Foley Trading Estate. Hereford