Sophie Nolan is a ceramicist based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. By using traditional hand building techniques, Sophie creates one-of-a-kind curvy, sensual vases, each shape holding its own presence and personality.
Sophie studied Visual Communications and has worked as a graphic designer for many years. Her background in graphics has given her a keen eye for shapes, balance and form. Sophie is largely self-taught in ceramics, supplemented with one on one lessons and short TAFE courses. What began as a side line passion, swiftly became her main focus taking on commissions, supplying high end interior stores and stylists, being featured in designed spaces, fashion styled stories, publications and now exhibiting her works.
The celebration of the human form, focusing on the beauty of our unique imperfections, curves, nuances and individualism is a constant theme running through her work.
Sophie begins with a characteristic in mind, sketches out the shape unique in angles and curves, then slowly molds the desired form and allows the essence to emerge.
‘Look at all there is to have…’
Sometimes we need to clear the fog to see the magic right in front of us; to find the gratitude for what and who we have. My vessels are a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the individual and the power that can come from working together in harmonious oneness.
Through my vessels I seek to give fluidity and personality to a functional form. I see it as an opportunity to give deeper meaning to an everyday object. An object whose essential purpose is to show off the complex yet perfect harmony and beauty in nature. To become a sculptural object that captures the wondrous nature of our individual quirks and precious uniqueness. Some have a subtle soft elegant essence, a lightness, a fragility. Others are more flamboyant, sassy, strong, bold or cute, quirky and fun.
To present these pieces as a group is an opportunity to show that despite our perceived ‘differences’, we can come together with compassion and non-judgement to compliment and support one another. Each vase holds its own space with energy and emotion, but together they bounce off each other and become an even greater force.
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1. Proud (44 x 25cm) Special K stoneware with a gloss white glaze $420 (SOLD)
2. Sassy (39 x 26cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $440 (SOLD)
3. Thoughtful (32 x 23cm) Special K stoneware with a matte white glaze $350 (SOLD)
4. Flamboyant (32 x 23cm) White Raku stoneware with a matte white glaze $350 (SOLD)
5. Bold (33 x 21cm) Special K stoneware with a matte white glaze $350 (SOLD)
6. Groover (30.5 x 14.5cm) White Raku stoneware with a matte white glaze $270 (SOLD)
7. Cheeky (24 x 14cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $270 (SOLD)
8. Quirky 28 x 13cm White Raku stoneware with a matte white glaze $270 (SOLD)
9. Nuturing (30 x 13cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $240 (SOLD)
10. Cute (29 x 15cm) Special K stoneware with a matte white glaze $240 (SOLD)
11. Elegant (32 x 12cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $240 (SOLD)
12. Open (28 x 13.5cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $220 (SOLD)
13. Balanced (28 x 13cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $220 (SOLD)
14. Gentle (29 x 14cm) White Raku stoneware with a matte white glaze $200 (SOLD)
15. Playful (23 x 10cm) White Raku stoneware with a matte white glaze $170 (SOLD)
16. Dignified (43 x 17) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $350
17. Fearless (32 x 36cm) Dark stoneware with Matte black glaze $390 (SOLD)
Sophie Nolan Enquiry Form
LOOK AT ALL THERE IS TO HAVE | Sarah Boyts Yoder & Sophie Nolan
Curated & presented by Amber Creswell Bell
@ Saint Cloche
37 Macdonald Street, Paddington NSW
Exhibition runs: 22 May – 2 June
Opening reception: Wednesday 22 May
Gallery hours: Wed to Sun, 10 – 5
Contact: amber@ambercreswell.com/ 0414 747 761