Artists’ Statements

Erin Nicholls created Yume (夢, ‘dream’) ceramics in 2008 whilst she was studying for a diploma of Fine Art — Ceramics at Holmesglen TAFE. Erin’s studies have included Fashion Design, Visual Arts and Creative Arts including Gold- and Silversmithing. The combination of these creative studies has provided Erin with a strong foundation in design and an understanding of the developmental process of ideas and poduction of a finished piece.

In 2006 Erin enrolled at Holmesglen TAFE in Melbourne to study ceramics part-time. Her main interest was in wheel-throwing and the creation of functional wares. For the Graduates’ Exhibition in 2008, she focused on a variety of pieces which displayed a large range of glaze variation through utilising the glaze-on-glaze technique.

Erin's handbuilding work is a combination of painting and sculpture. Her female torsos each pay homage to an artist through the use of underglaze paint. Her terracotta pieces show the beauty of the female form, whether abstract or realistic.

In the future Erin hopes to further her studies in Japan, as it was her love of Japanese pottery which first drew her to study ceramics. Erin also aims to combine her knowledge of metalwork with ceramics.

Curriculum Vitæ

• 2008: Holmesglen TAFE Graduates’ Exhibition ‘Bent’
• 2006-2008: Holmesglen TAFE: Diploma of Visual Arts — Ceramics
• 2003: Fine Art exhibition with artist Archie Graham in Florence, Italy
• 2003: Fabio Bernabei Restoration Studio: Private oil painting classes in Florence, Italy
• 2000-2001: Southbank TAFE: Creative Arts — Gold- and Silversmithing
• 1999: Southbank TAFE: Graduates’ Exhibition
• 1999: Southbank TAFE: Fine Arts
• 1998: Brisbane TAFE: Fashion Design