CERAMICIST

Bio

Nicola (Nicky) Coady is an established Australian ceramic artist whose career spans several decades, with a practice grounded in a deep engagement with landscape, material, and surface. Born in England and shaped by early experiences across Europe, Africa and Australia, her work reflects a lifelong response to the natural environment—from the hedgerows of Devon to the weathered sandstone and flora of the Australian bush.

Coady began working with clay in the early 1970s and formalised her training with a Diploma of Ceramics at Brookvale TAFE, graduating in 1986. She went on to teach at the Ku-ring-gai Art Centre for over 25 years, contributing significantly to ceramics education and mentoring generations of makers.

Working primarily in stoneware and porcelain, her practice explores hand-built and wheel-thrown forms, often fired using a range of processes including electric, gas, raku and wood firing. Her work has been widely exhibited across Australia, collected in both private and corporate collections, and recognised through numerous awards, including prizes at the Sydney Teapot Show.

Coady is known for her ongoing exploration of texture and surface, influenced by both natural erosion and cultural references. In recent years, she has developed a distinctive “East Meets West” series, incorporating the Japanese Boro patchwork aesthetic alongside motifs drawn from Australian flora.

She has also played an active role in the ceramics community, including leadership roles with the Ceramic Study Group and ongoing involvement with artist-run organisations such as Ferry Artists.