Emily Nickel.
I am Emily Nickel and I am a Missouri- based ceramic artist. I feel a profound connection with clay, as working with clay represents a certain connection to the earth. It is an honest and versatile medium, with a long, rich history that I am excited to take part in. However, despite clay’s humble beginnings, it can be made into objects of the greatest luxury and extravagance. I enjoy taking this adaptable material and transforming it into elaborate “couture” pieces for the modern table.
Sprout.
I take inspiration from great architecture from both the East and the West and blend it all together to form my own unique style. I am also motivated by the idea of “comprehensive dining.” That is, when enjoying a meal or beverage, as many senses as possible should be stimulated. Enjoying tea, for example, is as much about the appreciation of the tea’s flavor as it is about the admiration of the teapot. As well as believing that dining is enriched by art, I also believe that art is enriched by dining: that by coming off of the pedestal and onto the table, the art takes on a an entirely new and more personal level of meaning.
Emily's stamped ceramic earrings.
When I’m not creating table ware, making jewelry is a fun way for me to play fashionista for awhile and give the clay yet another interesting role to play. I take inspiration from various international arts such as Japanese kimonos, Indian saris and Moorish tile work. I also draw plenty of inspiration from adornments in the natural world such as feathers and leaves. Finally, I also sculpt. Sculpture is the art form I use to express my great wonder and appreciation of the natural world, and my concern about its citizens. Like in my functional work, I love to spend my time on detailed, intricate creations full of texture, color, and life.
Nesting.