Approved: 16.08.2006

Ailsa Nicholson

Artist

Approved: 16.08.2006

Ailsa studied ceramics at Cardiff University, graduating in 1999 with a first class (hons) degree, she is now based in Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast in the UK from where she largely draws her inspiration, capturing the beauty of the land and seascapes in bold, abstract and tactile forms.  Ailsa's ceramic work incorporates a variety of wheel thrown, hand building and carving techniques which concentrate on form rather than function, clay is never weighed and her work is always cut and carved freehand to ensure each pieces individuality.  Ailsa's glass work also tends to be more sculptural in nature using kiln casting and fusing techniques.  Alongside more traditional methods of glass making she also recycles discarded glass, up-cycling and transforming trash into treasure. For her, the thought and technical processes are as inspiring as the forms themselves and her work is constantly moving and changing as she pushes at the boundaries of possibility.

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Artist Statement

Ailsa studied ceramics at Cardiff University, graduating in 1999 with a first class (hons) degree, she is now based in Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast in the UK from where she largely draws her inspiration, capturing the beauty of the land and seascapes in bold, abstract and tactile forms.  Ailsa's ceramic work incorporates a variety of wheel thrown, hand building and carving techniques which concentrate on form rather than function, clay is never weighed and her work is always cut and carved freehand to ensure each pieces individuality.  Ailsa's glass work also tends to be more sculptural in nature using kiln casting and fusing techniques.  Alongside more traditional methods of glass making she also recycles discarded glass, up-cycling and transforming trash into treasure. For her, the thought and technical processes are as inspiring as the forms themselves and her work is constantly moving and changing as she pushes at the boundaries of possibility.

 

CV & Education

Qualifications and training 1999 - BA Hons Ceramics - First Class Hons, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Cardiff, Mid Glamorgan, Wales Group exhibitions 2012 - The Christmas Collection 2012, The Pyramid Gallery, York 2011 - North Yorkshire Open Studios, Whitby, Whitby 2009 - Naked Ambition, The Grosmont Gallery, Grosmont, Whitby 2007 - Art in Clay, Hatfield House, Hatfield 2007 - Art in Clay pottery and ceramics festival, Hatfield House, Hatfield 2007 - Chapel Gallery, Chapel Gallery, Riseley 2007 - Spring show, The Chapel Gallery, Bedford 2006 - Art in Clay, Hatfield House, Hatfield 2006 - Art in Clay - Hatfield House, Hatfield House, Hatfield 2006 - Brighton Art Fair, Brighton 2005 - Yorkshire Coast Open Studios, Art Connections, Ruswarp 2001 - Art Legacy Gallery, Odiham, Hants 1999 - Art in Clay, Hatfield House, Hatfield 1999 - Degree Show, Cardiff University, Howard Gardens, Cardiff 1998 - Sacred and Profane Exhibition, Cardiff City Museum, Cardiff, Mid Glamorgan, Wales