N L CERAMICS

Welcome to my Love of Clay

I am Nicole Lyster an independent artist creating unique ceramics that are functional, sculptural and/or fun. You will find my whole creative process on this website. From concept to the end product.

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Home: Welcome

My Inspiration

I find inspiration from my place in the world around me, focusing on the air we breathe, the juxtaposition of the built environment and nature in the city, and the beauty and calm that can be found in small things during difficult times. I produce work that is reflective of my life’s interests in science and art, it shows the constant existence of the rough with the smooth, and is indicative of the need to balance stability with the precarious nature of life. But most importantly it is a celebration of the beauty in all things and the ability to find fun and laughter in any situation.

See my creations

Home: About Us

Below is my Instagram feed, where I document my adventures in clay

Below is my Instagram account, where I document my adventures with clay in bite sized pieces. My Blog has more detailed accounts of what I am up to in my garden Studio in London UK.

@harrowopenstudios DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION 24th January 2025

Email submission form and image to harrowopenstudios@gmail.com

Exhibition will run from 7th to 28th February 2024

This is an open call to all artists living in the London Borough of Harrow and the surrounding area. We want to celebrate the White Cube Gallery in Harrow Art Centre by covering it in contemporary art made by a diverse range of artists. The gallery was recently threatened with closure, but thanks to a campaign by local artists it has been saved. We will continue to celebrate this with a successful exhibition to show the residents of Harrow what a wonderful creative area we live in. This is the third year we have done this – A Trilogy.

We are accepting submissions from artists that have connections to Harrow and the surrounding area. We will accept submissions from all types of artists, whether you are young or old, professional or amateur. There will be a selection process to ensure we host as diverse a range of art as possible to reflect our diverse and inclusive community. The gallery now has a secure display cabinet, so all forms 2D and 3D art can be submitted.

We are unable to accept offensive submissions that go against Harrow Open Studios ethos of inclusivity, diversity and creativity. Visit our website for a submission form and information on Harrow Open Studios.

https://www.harrowopenstudios.com/a-celebration-of-art-the-trilogy/
#harrowopenstudios #hos #harrowevents #harrowartists #londonartists

We start our program of professional potter demonstrations today• @thedcpg Saturday talk and demonstration Special, with potter Russell Collins on the 12th October. 09.00 - 13.00

Russell was trained at Harrow and went on to lecture there. He ran the Hook Norton pottery for many years. This was a commercial operation employing several potters and supplying the catering industry. He is one of the best production throwers in the business and has many stories to tell.

Kings Langley Methodist Church Hall Hempstead Road, Kings Langley Hertfordshire, WD4 8BR

Free to members.
£5 on the door for non members.

Protect our planet 🌍 please bring your own mug for a hot beverage ☕️

#dcpg #charitypottery #studiopottery #communityclay #handmade #claylovers #ceramicartist #chats #handmadeceramics #learnsomethingnew #pottersofinstagram #thingstodo #contemporaryceramics #modernceramics #traditionalpottery #pottersoftheworld #allthingspottery

I am ready for 🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺 KINGSBURY BARN EXHIBITION
Branch Road St Albans AL3 4SE

Starts tomorrow

🤩SEPTEMBER 13-15🤩

Open from 10am to 5pm

OUR ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF MEMBERS - FREE ENTRY @thedcpg.

Set up today and excited to see you if you can come 🤗

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #poppyseedhead #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #stools #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition @thedcpg

🎺 I will be exhibiting at the KINGSBURY BARN EXHIBITION
Branch Road St Albans AL3 4SE

🤩SEPTEMBER 13-15🤩

Open from 10am to 5pm

OUR ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF DCPG MEMBERS - FREE ENTRY

Introducing some examples of the ceramics on offer.

Do come along and see us. The barn is worth a visit in itself, but the ceramics will enhance your experience and it’s the perfect opportunity to buy something hand made and unique.

The Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild is a charity organisation run by volunteers (including me 😇) with an interest in (and passion for) clay @thedcpg

#nlceramics #ceramicmarket #charity #studioceramics #studiopottery #ceramicsculpture #ceramicsforsale #idealgifts #ceramicartist #handmadepottery #handmadeceramics #handmadeceramic #pottersofinstagram #shoplocally #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition #thingstodoinstalbans

I am getting ready for 🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺 KINGSBURY BARN EXHIBITION
Branch Road St Albans AL3 4SE

🤩SEPTEMBER 13-15🤩

Open from 10am to 5pm

OUR ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF MEMBERS - FREE ENTRY @thedcpg

Here is the second iteration of my poppy seed seats. This one is slightly higher and slightly more stylised.

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #poppyseedhead #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #stools #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition

This Saturday 10th August the people of Harrow enjoyed some free art and culture experiences thanks to the efforts of local artists, poets and dancers.

It wasn’t the most organised event, we will have to learn to sort our resources out properly, be on time and check electronic equipment works before we start.

Still I am glad I did it, it is important that people know what talent they have in their borough and that there are artistic and cultural activities available to them. It’s such a shame that we have to do this by ourselves and that the council are so lack lustre in their interest.

#whatsoninharrow #artactivity #youngartists #painting #drawing #collage #photography #create #make #getinvolved #freeexhibition #harrowartcentre #nlceramics #artisessential @harrowcultureforum @harrowopenstudios

This Saturday 10th August join me in Harrow town centre at 2pm - 6pm to have a go with clay 🏺 paint 🎨 singing 🎶 dance 💃 and all things creative. Let’s put aside the weird desire to destroy what is ours and come together to create beautiful art instead.

From 2pm-6pm I will be offering you the chance to play with clay and add to a clay highstreet scene along with other artists doing other community art works. If you are a poet or singer and have some words you want to share with the world there is an open mic 🎤

Art is what makes us human. Come and be human in Harrow on Saturday 10th August from 2pm

This is the proper way to protect our children and celebrate our society, by giving them something creative to do and appreciating the diversity in our culture that has made us one of the most creative and inventive in the world

#whatsoninharrow #artactivity #youngartists #painting #drawing #collage #photography #create #make #getinvolved #freeexhibition #harrowartcentre #nlceramics #artisessential @harrowcultureforum @harrowopenstudios

As part of @harrowopenstudios I have organised and curated a Young Artists’ Exhibition with the theme of Entertainment. It’s supported by the Harrow Arts Centre and Headstone Manor and Museum.

I am pleased to say we have the privilege of exhibition over 100 pieces of art from young artists from aged 5 to 17. The talent of our children is impressive and it is important to support and celebrate this.

Creative minds are essential to progression and we have spent far too many years downgrading its importance and systematically trying to eradicate it from our education system. Look around you at the world as see where that attitude has got us. This idiocy makes my brain hurt 🤯

I see my role as part of HOS to reverse that and introduce people to the power of art. Go to your local gallery, support its existence, it is essential to keeping us human. If you don’t have one write to your local officials and demand a space to show art, and then fill it with beautiful things that your community have made.

#whatsoninharrow #artexhibition #youngartists #painting #drawing #collage #photography #create #make #getinvolved #freeexhibition #harrowartcentre #nlceramics #artisessential

As part of @thedcpg I get the opportunity to join fellow potters on special trips. These don’t happen by magic, they are organised by volunteers who have taken their time and energy to do something for other people. So thank you @tribejudi for organising a wonderful day.

This was my pottery treat yesterday

Thank you to @whichfordpottery where even their apprentices show masterful skills and The Cotswolds Potters @johnjelfs @judejelfs who started their pottery from an asbestos shed in 1972 and have made it into a beautiful home and well oiled machine of creativity. We were welcomed and informed and I learnt a lot.

My voluntary contribution to my pottery guild is to post on their socials and make videos for their YouTube channel and manage membership. And join in when I can. You can see more detailed videos on dacorumandchilternpottersguild YouTube

#supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #cotswoldspottery #stoneware #functional #terracotta #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #mastercrafts #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand

This was my clay adventure today. #nlceramics #communityclay

What I did today. I’ll open up the kiln on Friday to see what we created. #slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #poppyseedhead #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #woodfired

Here is my poppy seed seat ready to be used in the white cube gallery in Harrow. I do like an interactive installation.

Harrow Open Studios is a diverse collective of artists ready to open their creative spaces to you for free this June.

There is something for everyone. Take courage and step into a creative space near you.

I am done for this year. But different artists are open on different days until 23rd June. Visit www.harrowopenstudios.com for more details.

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #poppyseedhead #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition
@harrowopenstudios

Harrow Open Studios is a diverse collective of artists ready to open their creative spaces to you for free this June.

There is something for everyone. Take courage and step into a creative space near you.

I am only open one weekend 8 th and 9 th June from 11am-5pm. But different artists are open on different days. Visit www.harrowopenstudios.com for more details.

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku#wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition
@harrowopenstudios

I am taking part in Harrow Open Studios. My studio is open to you on Saturday 8 th and Sunday 9 th June from 11am to 5pm.

Click on the link to www.harrowopenstudios.com to find out more

I am sharing my studio with a new artist this year. The talented Koola Adams @koola_adams

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku#wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition
@harrowopenstudios

Colours of Harrow Exhibition set up ready to open to the public for free on Monday 3rd June to Friday 28 th June from 10am-5pm weekdays. 🤩
Now I can start preparing for Open Studio on Saturday 8 th and Sunday 9 th June from 11am to 5pm.

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku#wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #visualart #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition
@harrowopenstudios

First stop: setting up our annual exhibition at Harrow Art Centre White Cube Gallery. Starting to ramp up for Harrow Open Studios on 8th June, 11am. 🤗

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku#wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition

For sitting 🪑 in the sunshine. Notice the blue touches where the iron oxide and copper carbonate glazes have mixed 😋

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #poppyseedheads #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition

It survived 🥳

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku#wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition

I am pleased to say my poppy seed seat survived its bisque fire. Now it has to survive its glaze fire and I have to survive the effort of getting it into my kiln.

I took off the four leaf 🍃 feet I’d given it , they weren’t adding to its stability and they were going to break off the moment I tried to lift it. Sometimes good ideas don’t match up to the practicality of use.

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition

In the kiln. 🫣. Will it survive? #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #kilnload #stoneware #crank #poppyseedheads #coilbuiltceramics #studioceramics #clayexperiments #slabbuiltceramics #handmadeinuk #instapottery #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #ceramictexture #ceramiclovers #artlovers #sculpture

Apart from organising art exhibitions I have been making and firing ceramics 😊

Electric bisque fired then raku.

An excellent days firing with my lovely pottery guild people. @thedcpg Kiln group at @chilternoam

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #raku #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #kiln #vases #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition

It was cold and rainy and there’s really no room in this glass cupboard to swing a cat. But @antonellasands_art and I managed to set up week one of our rolling program of artists taking over the Art POD. Follow @harrowopenstudios for the rest of our artists. 👩‍🎨
#handmadeinlondon #stoneware #paintings #nlceramics #artisimportant #studioceramics #uniqueart #oilpaintings #wheelthrown #affordableart #slabbuiltceramics #watercolour #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #penandink #exhibition #ceramiclovers #artlovers #galleryspace #harrow #sculpture #thingstodoinharrow
@harrowculturalforum
#harrowopenstudios

From Friday 29 th February to Friday 8th March I shall be exhibiting some of my ceramics in the Green Hill Art POD in Harrow Town Centre.

The art POD is a glass box tucked around the corner of the highstreet that is especially for visual arts exhibitions. It was Harrow’s concession to the woefully inadequate space dedicated to art for a population of over 250,000 people. Honestly they could not have placed it in a worse location unless they buried it in the ground. I knew it had been set up and I looked for it, but it still took me two years to find it. If you know Harrow walk down Station Road until you get to Lloyds Bank and go down the side of the building. It’s there- completely invisible to the High street footfall.

Despite this I am determined to use every meagre resource offered to artists in my campaign to get the authority to take notice of the need for art and show some proper support of their population, other than collecting bins and filling in pot holes.

So throughout March and April I have organised a rolling program of Harrow Open Studio artists exhibiting in this space.

I start the ball rolling with the talented @antonellasands_art . Then @palakpatelart takes over. And so on until our two months is done.

Follow @harrowopenstudios to see the whole program.

Visit our website for information on Harrow Open Studios.

www.harrowopenstudios.com

#handmadeinlondon #stoneware #paintings #nlceramics #artisimportant #studioceramics #uniqueart #oilpaintings #wheelthrown #affordableart #slabbuiltceramics #watercolour #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #penandink #exhibition #ceramiclovers #artlovers #galleryspace #harrow #sculpture #thingstodoinharrow
@harrowculturalforum
#harrowopenstudios

A Celebration of Art – The Sequel Exhibition to be held from February 19th to March 4th 2024.

Here is a sneak preview of A Celebration of Art.

An exhibition by artists of Harrow and beyond, from aged 9 to nearly 90. Bringing together new artists and nationally renowned artists in a diverse and vibrant exhibition reflecting our wonderful community.

This is the second year in our campaign to get proper recognition for visual art as a valuable contribution to any society. Harrow is home to over 250,000 people and yet the council’s commitment to visual art is one small, almost secret, room in the Art Centre. Under resources and under publicised, threatened with closure in the past and mostly ignored by Harrow’s elected representatives (none of whom have time to come to our Private View on Monday 19 th February 6-8 pm) it is still a precious resource highly valued by us artists.

Come and see what your neighbours have created. Without help or support from the borough, we have done this for ourselves. It’s wonderful.

Visit our website for information on Harrow Open Studios.

www.harrowopenstudios.com

#handmadeinlondon #stoneware #paintings #nlceramics #artisimportant #studioceramics #uniqueart #oilpaintings #wheelthrown #affordableart #slabbuiltceramics #watercolour #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #penandink #exhibition #ceramiclovers #artlovers #galleryspace #harrow #sculpture #thingstodoinharrow
@harrowculturalforum
@harrowopenstudios #harrowopenstudios

A Celebration of Art – The Sequel Exhibition to be held from February 19th to March 4th 2024 .

Deadline for submissions January 31st

This is an open call to all artists living in the London Borough of Harrow and the surrounding area. We want to celebrate the White Cube Gallery in Harrow Art Centre by covering it in contemporary art made by a diverse range of artists. The gallery was recently threatened with closure, but thanks to a campaign by local artists it has been saved. Last year we celebrated this with a successful exhibition to show the residents of Harrow what a wonderful creative area we live in. This is the sequel. We are accepting submissions from artists that have connections to Harrow and the surrounding area. We will accept submissions from all types of artists, whether you are young or old, professional or amateur. There will be a selection process to ensure we host as diverse a range of art as possible to reflect our diverse and inclusive community. The gallery now has a secure display cabinet on order so we can accept all types of art.

We are unable to accept offensive submissions that go against Harrow Open Studios ethos of inclusivity, diversity and creativity. Visit our website for information on Harrow Open Studios.

www.harrowopenstudios.com

Please pass this Open Call on to any of your creative friends, family and colleagues.

Email harrowopenstudios@gmail.com for a submission form

#handmadeinlondon #stoneware #paintings #nlceramics #artisimportant #studioceramics #uniqueart #oilpaintings #wheelthrown #affordableart #slabbuiltceramics #watercolour #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #penandink #exhibition #ceramiclovers #artlovers #galleryspace #harrow #sculpture #thingstodoinharrow
@harrowculturalforum
@harrowopenstudios #harrowopenstudios #harrowopenstudios2023

Happy New Year 2024. Here’s to a calmer year with more pottery #nlceramics #newyear #2024

I shall be at Kingsbury Barn in St Albans with my fellow Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild @thedcpg members for our annual ceramic show - September 8th to 10th.

I hope to see you there. It’s a great show with some talented potters from all walks of life and at all levels of experience. It’s a rare chance to be in this medieval barn . I am looking forward to some quality time with my ceramics, talking about all things clay 🤗

#slabbuiltceramics #shoplocal #supportlocalart #buyuniquegifts #nlceramics #ceramicart #handmade #handmadeinlondon #stoneware #functional #eggseperator #wheelthrownceramics #studioceramics #studiotime #ceramicteapot #birdhouse #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #characters #ceramiclovers #artlovers #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition #thingstodoinstalbans

🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺 KINGSBURY BARN EXHIBITION
Branch Road St Albans AL3 4SE

🤩SEPTEMBER 8th - 10th🤩

Open from 10am to 5pm

OUR ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF MEMBERS - FREE ENTRY

Introducing myself and my work

I use a variety of clay; stoneware, earthenware, porcelain and crank and try to use it in as many different ways; throwing, slab building, coil building and sculpting. I mix my own glazes using oxides to colour them (though I admit to using stains if the outcome I want requires it) and like to try out different glaze methods; dipping, spraying, painting and wax resist. Such a variety of materials and methods results in a variety of ceramic pieces; functional, sculptural, fun and serious, but all made with care and consideration of the final piece. My clay adventures (the good and the bad) are posted on Instagram @nlceramics .

My work reflects my life caring for two children with cystic fibrosis. To be successful (and sane) in this situation one must be flexible and rigid at the same time, with infinite patience, an enormous sense of humour and an appreciation of the importance of fun whilst dealing with serious situations.

#thedcpg #nlceramics #ceramicmarket #charity #studioceramics #studiopottery #ceramicsculpture #ceramicsforsale #idealgifts #ceramicartist #handmadepottery #handmadeceramics #handmadeceramic #pottersofinstagram #shoplocally #contemporaryceramics #madebyhand #ceramicexhibition #thingstodoinstalbans

On Monday 28 th August I will be at the Headstone Manor Summer Show representing Harrow Open Studios and championing The Harrow Culture Forum.

Pop by and add to my Harrow Culture Forum Plate. Creativity is what makes us human 👩‍🎨

#handmadeinlondon #stoneware #paintings #nlceramics #artisimportant #studioceramics #uniqueart #oilpaintings #wheelthrown #affordableart #slabbuiltceramics #watercolour #handmadeinuk #instapottery #cremerging #artforsalebyartist #commissionedart #penandink #exhibition #ceramiclovers #artlovers #galleryspace #harrow #sculpture #thingstodoinharrow
@harrowcultureforum
@harrowopenstudios #harrowopenstudios #harrowopenstudios2023

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N L CERAMICS

My Inspiration

Below is my Instagram account, where I document my adventures with clay in bite sized pieces. My Blog has more detailed accounts of what I am up to in my garden Studio in London UK.

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