Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Aquillano.
Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I took an unconventional path to become a studio potter. After pursuing a career in civil engineering, I left to follow my passion and earn my MFA from RISD in 2012. Since then, I have developed a successful ceramics line which I produce and sell across the country. In addition to my own original collections, I work with galleries and stores to create custom imagery for their shops. I also create custom pieces for individual collectors.
Working from photographs, I draw each image by hand directly into the porcelain clay with a knife and inlay a dark underglaze. The high temperature of the kiln combined with a clear glaze overlay slightly blurs the drawing, much like a faded memory. I often reference imagery from my past as a way to establish a personal connection. Each piece is one-of-a-kind; clients mix and match images to create a uniquely personal narrative, or order custom imagery to create their own exclusive work of art!
I currently live and work just outside of Boston with my husband, Sam and daughter, Rafaela (Rafi).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My first mentor in clay told me “if you work hard enough at something, it’s bound to happen.” I held onto that advice through it all… four years of working on my portfolio to get into graduate school while working full-time as an engineer, two years of graduate school and one post-grad school while working part-time at the same job. Even then it was hard to walk away from my old career. But I knew, I would regret it if I didn’t try to make a living as a potter, so I finally made the leap and went for it!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nicole Aquillano Ceramics – what should we know?
I make one-of-a-kind porcelain tableware with hand-inlaid images. Each piece is cast, etched, inlaid and glazed by hand in my home studio.
I love making custom work for customers. I get to hear their story about what makes the home or building they have commissioned me to draw so special to them or to a loved one. They tell me all the details of what to include – it tends to be the little details of a place that bring back big memories. It’s an incredible feeling to know that I’ve captured their memories in a piece of tableware; that I’ve created this tangible work of art with such a meaningful link to their past.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Generally speaking, I think powerful women are often labeled as harsh or unpleasant, when they are just as (if not more) effective and powerful as their male counterparts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicoleaquillano.com/
- Email: nicoleaquillano@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleaquillano/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoleaquillanoceramics/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoleaquillano
Image Credit:
Cara Rufenacht
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