Nice Assets is the work of moi, Nicole Gaston, based in Pōneke, Aotearoa.
Follow me on @nice.assets for regular updates.
Get in touch if you’d like to visit me at my studio in Aro Valley.
Please note studio visits are by appointment only.
Background and kaupapa
I am an immigrant to Aoteaora where I have lived the last 16 years, making things from clay, working in libraries, and riding my bicycle around. I have a BA, MLIS and a PhD in Information Studies. I love teaching and learning and my work with libraries, as well as teaching pottery from my home studio. You can read my PhD thesis and find out more about my academic research on ORCID.
I like to think I am finding ways to fight supremacist structures and ecological devastation somehow with my work both in clay and libraries. I’m trying to be hopeful about the future and find & spread as much joy as I can while I’m here on this planet.
I’m currently the national chair of the Ceramics Association of New Zealand where I work with a lot of awesome people to support clay workers and build a strong and inclusive ceramics sector.
Exhibitions and awards
In 2018 I won the Waikato Ceramics award for Best First-time Exhibitor at the annual Ceramicus exhibition.
I also exhibited work in the 2019 Ceramicus exhibition (photograph above) and the KINK 2021 group show.
et cetera
In addition to pots I make lots of other stuff, at my home workshop in Aro Valley, Wellington, Aotearoa.
I am also help out with the Mechanical Tempest Community Bike Workshop, and the Pyramid Club/Sound and Light Exploration Society.
Portrait at my Newtown studio by Andrew Ross, 2020.
