Nicci Parry-Jones & Steve Morgan
Nicci Parry-Jones has been immersed in the ceramic world for 30 years, there are very few areas of the craft she hasn’t explored. Nicci has become well-known for her Steampunk teapots and has won several awards in the Sydney Teapot Show. Her unique pieces have been selected as finalists in many national art prizes and grace homes and businesses around Australia and abroad. As a teacher, she continues to experiment with techniques to share with her students and this keeps her enthusiasm for the craft alive. Nicci works as a full-time ceramicist from her studio on Tamborine Mountain under her brand, PJ POTTERY. She has a gallery on site which is open by appointment, it is brimming with her homeware, teapots and sculptures.
The Anti-Gloom Portal sculpture has been designed by Nicci and her husband, Steve Morgan who is talented, multi-skilled boilermaker.
Artist interview with Nicci Parry-Jones
What sparked the idea for the work you are exhibiting at SWELL this year?
The idea for the Anti-Gloom Portal grew from creating small totems made from individual ceramic shapes and mounted together to create a story. The title is a positive affirmation that there are many ways to find good in the world. In our culture, we are surrounded by crises, trauma and negativity and anxiety is prevalent. I wanted to give people a moment, while walking through the portal, to consider what brings them joy and makes them smile.
What’s something people might not realise about the process behind your work?
Each of the 60+ pieces in this sculptural archway was created by hand, many from recycled clay used by me and my students. I feel that they have also contributed to this work and have all enthusiastically followed along with this 4 month creative journey. Each piece is different, many have discreet little quirky features that may only be found by keen observation. Yes, consider that a challenge!
What role does location or environment play in your sculptures?
The Anti-Gloom Portal was designed to be installed outside and walked through. Its placement in the outside environment, be it at SWELL Sculpture on the beach or in a garden or park means that you can get a sense of passing through a doorway and leaving your troubles behind you but not feeling anxious because at all times you can see your surroundings and the other side. Its openness encourages a freedom to take your time, to wander and explore or stand still and be present.
Is there a moment or memory that shaped you as an artist?
This actually happened recently. I realized that after 30 years working in ceramics I have attained a great amount of knowledge about my craft – I can now create whatever design I can think of! This has been liberating and exciting. It has definitely been put to the test with my sculptural piece for this year’s SWELL Sculpture Festival. The short answer is that every creative journey I take shapes me as an artist.
What keeps you coming back to sculpture as a form of expression?
I find sculpture a deeply satisfying accomplishment. It requires forethought, problem-solving and a rhythm and flow to create a well considered work. It is a commitment to follow your vision and get through the ugly stages.
If you could install your work anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to see my Anti-Gloom Portal installed at a lookout to one of the wondrous natural views anywhere like the Great Ocean Road or The Blue Mountains, so you could feel transported both visually and emotionally to better frame of mind.
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 12th – 21st September.