Vases with dangerous spikes and happily smiling morning mugs – Nick Megchelse brings emotional pottery on the table. The Melbourne based artist studied arts in New Zealand. From reductionist abstract painting and formalistic abstract ideas Nick started to look at paintings more and more as three-dimensional objects and explored how to emphasize the surface itself rather than just the two-dimensional image. He began forming his own slabs out of plaster to further control and manipulate the ‘canvas’. This in combination with the historical relevance of pottery layed the foundations for taking up ceramics.

Are there elements of your painting, you see in your pottery as well, like for example flowers?

Only within the last few years has my drawing practice really leaked into my painting endeavours and incidentally, my ceramics. Recurring motifs such as sharp aggressive patterns and the basic flower shapes began emerging – I think of them more as symbols or glyphs. It gives me a starting point. Rather than painting a flower, I’m using the flower to explore paint. The process becomes less about what to paint but how to paint it.

Two important elements in your ceramic art are spikes and smileys (the happy ones). Symbolically these are opposites, what do they mean to you?

I’ve always had a fascination with ancient warfare and weaponry. This interest has permeated my sketches and drawings for years and the spikes are 3D manifestations of these. As for the smileys and other emojis, I consider them to be an extension of our language. They’re our contemporary hieroglyphs – serving as potent tokens for us to convey moods and remotely emote in the digital age. On a broader level, ceramics have always served to share our collective history. They hold important clues to our understanding of ancient civilizations. I like the idea of drawing upon the cultural significance of ceramics and taking something as banal as an emoji and then immortalising it in stone.

How long does it usually take, to finish a piece?

Depending on the size and complexity of the ceramic, items can take upwards of 3 weeks. Each piece is unique, so the actual design and sculpting can take a long time and even multiple attempts.

Your art radiates cheerfulness and lightness. How would you like to make the people who drink from your cups feel?

I hope my ceramics are enjoyed in many ways. The love and time I put into all my pieces is evident and it feels important for other people to get to experience that – maybe through finding little hidden features or oddities. This is especially true when it comes to my mugs as you get to interact with them up close and personal.

How do you feel while making pottery?

Challenged. I think this is why I’m drawn to ceramics, they test your patience, planning, skill and dedication. There are so many elements, both in my control and out, that need to be well-executed. You never truly know how the work will be until it comes out of the kiln, it’s a very exciting medium to explore and truly satisfying.

Even if we could already guess the answer: Which is your favorite smiley? ツ

If I had to choose one and only one smiley it would be: �� It’s just so damn cute.