Nicola Tassie

Nicola Tassie (British, b. 1960) is a London-based ceramic artist whose elegant work blends functional forms with conceptual notions of fine art. Employing centuries-old pottery traditions, Tassie creates pieces that are immediately recognizable and approachable as humble quotidian domestic objects; however, through closer inspection, they reveal that the usability is only alluded to through certain formal properties, and not discreetly possible. Her oeuvre is comprised of clean forms that are experimental in their use of texture, color, and technique, as can be seen in her totemic sculptures, stacks of “pots” that can rise to over eight feet in height. Tassie uses a variety of clays, including stoneware, porcelain, and paper clay, and plays with the the technicalities of the kiln firing them at different temperatures or placing them in different locations within the kiln. Her work is mostly thrown, though she integrates some hand building into her practice. 

Tassie studied painting at Central School of Art and Design in London before dedicating herself completely to the practice of ceramics. She is a founding member of Standpoint Studios in London. Her work has been exhibited widely in the U.K. as well as in the United States. She received commendation in the International Maker Showcase from the Crafts Council of England in 2016 and was awarded the Visual Arts Production Award in Ceramics from Greater London Arts.