Artist's Bio
I am a studio potter and educator living and working in Kentucky, but exhibiting my art both nationally and internationally. My work ranges from the functional to the decorative to the sculptural and is influenced by a wide array of subjects, specifically 17th century Chinese export porcelain, European palace wares, modernist sculpture, architecture, and nature. I strive to incorporate beauty and harmony into my pottery while challenging perceptions of what utilitarian ceramics can be.

Artist's Statement
The relationship between form and surface is an important impetus for the creation of my functional and sculptural vessels. The starting point may be an historical reference or simply an improvisational approach to the wheel. The concept of wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic where elegance and refinement is achieved by bringing out the natural characteristics inherent to materials, has been a major influence on the development of my work.
Beginning with a simple wheel thrown form, I work the clay with a variety of surface-making tools to stretch and expose the plastic properties of the material. The process of throwing on the wheel allows me to create quickly the sensual shapes that will eventually be coated with brightly colored engobes. I alter the wheel thrown clay and add constructed elements to help produce the desired form, forms influenced by 17th century Chinese export porcelain, European palace wares, the Leach/Hamada school, the Funk movement, modern sculpture, architecture, and nature. It is the form that dictates the colors I choose for each piece. I have spent considerable time developing my colorful surfaces using glazes to enhance line and shape.
As an artist, I try to push beyond traditional surface decorating and glazing techniques, while still paying homage to classical forms. It is the visual interaction between the simple wheel thrown vessel and the color-laden surface that creates unity within the piece. I aspire to incorporate beauty, simplicity, and harmony within my art, while still expanding ceramic traditions, techniques, and perceptions. In this way, a greater sense of existence is evoked for each new object I create.

Jeffrey
Nichols

Buttery Yellow Bowl

$115

Jeffrey
Nichols

Blue Bowl

$115

Jeffrey
Nichols

Blue Red Cup

sold

Jeffrey
Nichols

Yellow Green Cup

sold