Nice Assets

About Nice Assets

Nice Assets is the work of Nicole Gaston, a Wellington-based craftswoman who creates fun colourful ceramics.

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 Pōneke, Aotearoa where I have lived the last 15 years, making things from clay, working in libraries, and riding my bicycle around. I love teaching and learning and my jobs with school libraries around the country and as the library manager at Te Kura o Toi Whakaari, as well as teaching pottery from my home studio.

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 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

‘Decolonise my breakfast’, white stoneware, Ceramicus 2019. Photo by Chris Parkin.

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.

nice.assets

Thanking everyone so much who came to my open stud

Thanking everyone so much who came to my open studio this weekend! 🙏 I am overflowing with gratitude.
It was so nice to meet so many beautiful folks and have lots of great chats and feel so loved up. I was trying to manage expectations given the current state of things in Pōneke but the girlies turned out and turned it upppp!! (As well as the cute doggos - truly a highlight)
It must have been the vetivier oil and @ebonylamb___ helping me manifest abundance 🥰
Not only did I open my studio I actually organised the entire first ever @ceramicsnz National Open Studios with over 60 artists around the country (alongside my full time day job lol). It has been an epic last few months and I’m excited to see where this event goes! Thanks to all my CANZ homies, such an ace crew to work with 🥳
I have a couple more markets and things coming up in the next few weeks - if you’re after a holiday gift hmu! I’m heading to see my mama in Chicago for Christmas so thanks again to everybody who bought work from me. This means I can afford to see her once or twice a year while she still remembers who I am 💞
Huge mihi to my hype women @hmettner @mmitchellanyon @wellykowhai I LOVE YOU!! Also thanks to my beloved Wazza for putting up with me and my bs for the last (nearly) 12 years 😂
#canznos #canznos24 #openstudio #grattitude #community #potteryispolitical

If you ever wanted a stack of handmade plates THIS

If you ever wanted a stack of handmade plates THIS WEEKEND is your chance cause for some reason I made heaps and they all have a little bit of crazing so will be REDUCED TO CLEAR!
Also please come to my open studio 🙏
23 & 24 Nov 10 to 4 both days!
2 Haines Tce, Aro Valley, Pōneke
Eftpos will be available
#openstudio #studiopottery #ceramicplates #handmadeplates

More new stylez coming at you this weekend, in my

More new stylez coming at you this weekend, in my magickal garden studio ✨
2 Haines Tce Aro Valkey Pōneke - 23 & 24 Nov - 10am to 4pm
Part of the National open Studios Weekend with @ceramicsnz
Check out openstudios.ceramicsnz.org to find a studio near you 🥰
#canznos #madeinnz

Serving medieval realness in 2 different scales wi

Serving medieval realness in 2 different scales with these 𝔖𝔏𝔄𝔜 tankards - available at my open studio this weekend 🍺
2 Haines Tce , Aro Valley Wellington 10am to 4pm 23 & 24 Nov!
Come say hi 👋
#ceramictankard #wheelthrown #reenactment
@ceramicsnz

Pls come to my open studio 23 & 24 Nov 🙏 2 Hain

Pls come to my open studio 23 & 24 Nov 🙏
2 Haines Tce in Aro Valley up a million steps but it’s worth it I promise!
As usual I will be having a big clear out of my seconds/pots with flaws, some very minor, some pretty major.
I know it’s a lot to ask Wellingtonians to spend money right now so please know there is no expectation to buy anything, I will have work for sale but more than anything I’d like folks to just come round and hang out, maybe bbq if the weather cooperates. I might have some wheels set up to have a go on as well, weather dependant.
My amazing assistants @hmettner and @wellykowhai will be on hand for chats, cups of tea, hot goss, maybe some wine or g & ts if the vibe is right. I will bring the pots and provide a decent record collection! Stop by @garageprojectaro on your way and fill up a rigger.
I’m trying to channel @ebonylamb___ ‘s successful feelings 🙏🥳
Eftpos will be available too 💰
Visit my neighbour @346_ceramics while you’re in the hood!
#canznos24 #canznos #openstudio @ceramicsnz

Here is the full set I made for @bigflipthemassive

Here is the full set I made for @bigflipthemassive - sadly the plates didn’t make it to Ōtauhahi 😭 but I have challenged him to kintsugi them ⚱️
I appreciate Reece’s commitment to minimalism but stainless steel bowls are for food prep they are not tableware and do not do justice to the beautiful meals he creates!
When I sent him these I wasn’t expecting to find myself in Timaru and then Christchurch a week later picking up a new van 😂
Thanks so much for your generosity it was a blast hanging out with you and Alva learning terms like ‘snaking’ and ‘pole jam’ I have increased my skateboarding vocabulary by at least double 🛹 Also ft is Alva’s mustard sauce salad dressing which he made just for me to bring home and was also top notch 👌
Catch Reece and other awesome folks like @heleyni @finnjohansson2006 and more 16 Nov for @eyegum ‘s 10 year anniversary at various venues around Pōneke 🥳

#wheelthrown #tableware #ceramiccasualties

Truly an honour to get to make this delightful cus

Truly an honour to get to make this delightful custom set of tankards for @catherine_s_h 🥰
The brief was 'medieval gothic wedding on Halloween'.
When I found out the couple in question had met at a reenactment retreat and worked at a reenactment castle where their nicknames were genuinely 'The Elf' and 'the Squire' I was so smitten. I have asked Catherine to enquire on my behalf if I could join them in a throuple - when is the best time for her to make the proposal, before, after, or maybe DURING the vows? Which apparently will be made with the bridal party arriving on horseback at the above-mentioned castle! Wow, #weddingoals
Really looking forward to seeing the photos!! These will be joining the small but growing number of pieces of mine over in Aus 🦘
Anybody else keen for custom tankards please hmu I really enjoyed making this style and the olde English lettering, in fact I might do some non-custom ones that just say 'slay' or 'cunt' maybe lol idk ?
#wheelthrown #stoneware #pottery #tankard #beerstein

Thanks everybody for coming out to my workshop on

Thanks everybody for coming out to my workshop on Saturday! Sorry I was too busy to get any photos but luckily @jwframing did 🥰
It seems like most people really enjoyed it, thanks everybody for bringing such immaculate vibes!!!
The grand total raised for @pinkribbonnz was $2750 which is amazing thanks to everyone’s generosity exceeded my goal! I was totally blown away by the response and I’m so happy to have been able to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
But damn I do not recommend going out until 1 am after teaching a workshop for 50 people! Rest assured all your beautiful boobies are safely tucked away in my kiln shed to dry for the next few weeks before I fire & glaze them.
Huge mihi to my amazing pals @jwframing @bekcoogan and Karien for their help, @heydaybeerco @hannah.and.beer for being such awesome hosts and @pottersclaynelson for donating the clay!

For those that missed out - I have already had people asking me when I’ll do it again 😅lol let me catch my breath a minute and figure a few things out! However as a first time running such a massive event I’m pretty pleased everything went fairly smoothly imho 🙏😎
Was so great to have so many people celebrating tittles in all shapes and sizes!
Just a reminder to look after your girls and lots of love to those dear to us going through or who have been through treatment. (Love you @camillealtay ❤️)
#breastcancerawareness @pinkribbonnz #breastcancerawarenessmonth #potteryispolitical

Thanks to my beloved for bringing me these flowers

Thanks to my beloved for bringing me these flowers ❤️ yes they were left over from some fundraising event at his work where apparently someone paid $14k for a pie? Idk I am not rich (evidenced by my shitty attempt at covering up a watermark rather than paying $8 for a premium app) but I will take rich people’s left over flowers (which were in an ugly cardboard box) and put them in a beautiful wood fired bowl I made because I have better taste than rich people (I know this because I watch a lot of @belowdeckbravo )💰😎 and also hate waste 💐
Pro tip for rich people - next time ask me to make vases for your flowers for your fancy events and people might think you are cooler than you actually are.
#eattherich #richpeople #tastemaker #anagamafired #wheelthrown #stoneware #flowers #ikebana #zerowaste

Today marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness m

Today marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month so here is just a reminder to look after your titties!
#breastcancerawareness @pinkribbonnz #bcam

Shop update is live at https://niceassets.co.nz/sh

Shop update is live at https://niceassets.co.nz/shop/ !
Probably my last of the year as I get ready for my open studio (23/34 Nov) and end of year markets and work for my growing number of stockists. Of course you can always get in touch if you want something in particular and I’ll do my best to accommodate your request 🥰
Thanks so much for giving me your hard earned money in this late stage capitalist hellhole. You could spend it on single use plastic shit made by the exploitative labour of oppressed people but instead you choose to give it to me, for something made locally, sustainably, consciously and with lots of love poured into it.

Please know I appreciate it!
xo Nicole

A bunch of these are now out of the kiln! I am jus

A bunch of these are now out of the kiln! I am just waiting for a few more pieces to dry and then I might update my online shop? Or maybe just save things for my open studio in November? I really want people to come lol
Also I am doing a market at @blackcoffeenewtown next Thursday evening so that could be a place to buy stuff from me. Or not. Just come say hi, and save your money 💰
#chronicillness #chronicillnesswarrior #ceramicsnz #wheelthrown and made with @macs.mud 🥳

Cute little teapot with secret smiley for my open

Cute little teapot with secret smiley for my open studio 23 & 24 November along with heaps of other clay workers all around NZ! Thanks @ceramicsnz for organising ❤️🥳
#cnznos #openstudio #teapot #clayworker

Some colourful pinch pots for @thedowse shop. The

Some colourful pinch pots for @thedowse shop. These are cute but I am not sure how functional they can be. What would you use something like this for? I like the idea of having different coloured lollies in each bowl. Ideally matching the colour of the bowl. I might have to go buy some rainbow jellybeans and sort them one by one without eating too many. That’d be cute huh?!

#cutepottery #lollies #candydish #jellybeanstoragedevice #colourfulhome

I was going to add some handles or something to th

I was going to add some handles or something to this vase but then I let it get too dry so now it’s just a simple, pretty vase. And I like it 😍
This, and lots of other vases and pots will be available at my open studio 23/24 November!
#wheelthrown #flowervase #calalily #lilies #stoneware #ashglaze

Really pleased with how these turned out ❤️ th

Really pleased with how these turned out ❤️ thanks so much to @blessthismess.ceramics for her great workshop. I’m looking forward to refining some of these more sculptural techniques. I’ll be making more of these, hopefully larger scale though the mugs are very satisfying to drink from!
#wheelthrownandaltered #potteryispolitical #ceramicsnz #functionalfemaleform

*FULLY BOOKED* thank you all 🙏 Dear friends –

*FULLY BOOKED* thank you all 🙏
Dear friends - I’m very excited to be running a fundraising boob mug making workshop as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 5 October at @heydaybeerco with clay generously donated by @pottersclaynelson ❤️🥳 Bookings now open at niceassets.co.nz - tell your mates! Bring your pals! This might be the world’s largest ever boob mug making workshop? Come drink beer & celebrate titties with me!

Every day nine women in New Zealand are diagnosed with breast cancer. Help raise awareness while having fun and fundraising for The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation in this boob mug making workshop.

The workshop runs from 5pm to 7pm on 5 October at Heyday Beer Co, 264 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington.

Get guided through the process of hand crafting one mug and sculpting breasts onto your mug for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Each workshop registration includes enough clay to make one mug, a guided demonstration, and support throughout in creating your boob mug masterpiece in a fun, relaxed environment. $50 from each registration goes directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.

Your creations will be carefully packed away and transported to my home studio in Aro Valley for glazing and firing. All mugs will be glazed with a food safe pastel pink glaze, and fully microwave & dishwasher safe once fired. Mugs will be available for pick up approximately 3 weeks after the event, or a courier can be arranged for an additional fee.

This workshop is suitable for anyone regardless of age, experience or background. People under 18 may register but must be accompanied by a legal guardian and cannot be served at the bar.

Please note registrations do not include any drinks or food. These will be available for purchase from the bar.

Huge thanks to Potter’s Clay Nelson for their sponsorship with 100% NZ clay (YAY!!) and Heyday Beer for providing an awesome venue!

There will also be a raffle full of amazing donated prizes on the day! My goal is to raise $2500 NZD, help us get there!
@pinkribbonnz @breastcancercure

Find someone to look at you the way I look at my j

Find someone to look at you the way I look at my jugs 😍
Thanks @thedowse @mmitchellanyon for a great exhibition & shirt from @thedowseshop 😂
#nzpottery

Sometimes it’s good to stop and smell the flower

Sometimes it’s good to stop and smell the flowers! In my case that means reminding myself I can just appreciate aesthetics and it doesn’t have to always be political. Though of course ‘the medium is the message’ and making ceramics from mud by hand slowly and intentionally is certainly an ideological perspective. 🤷🏼‍♀️
Large vase pictured here next to my grandmother’s hair dryer chair from 1960s. Yes it works. Yes I shipped it here from Chicago. It’s the closest thing I have to a family heirloom 😂
#nzpottery #ceramics #wheelthrown #largevase #flowervase #potteryispolitical

Yes daddy! I’ve got your last minute Father’s

Yes daddy! I’ve got your last minute Father’s Day gifts sorted! Now available at niceassets.co.nz/shop 🌈
I can courier overnight, or can pick up from me in Aro 😅
Handmade wheelthrown stoneware mug with ‘DILF’ – choose from hand carved, painted with rainbow underglazes and covered with a clear glaze, or stamped with black letters and a white/blue/green ‘harbour’ layered glaze, fired to 1245 C.

Approximately 8 cm high.

#dilf #functionalart #fathersday #madeinnz #madeinwellington #arovalley #wellingtonartist #daddy

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