
Nicole Aquillano
2/26/17: Today, I’m thrilled to bring to you the lovely ceramics of Boston maker Nicole Aquillano. She sees her objects not just as tableware, but also as a way to hold onto the past.
“I am interested in exploring the human need to maintain collections, as a way to preserve the past and satisfy the longing with which we inhabit the world: driven by a desire to hold onto what will inevitably be lost. My memories and experiences are carved onto objects intended to be both used and collected: as a way to facilitate new relationships to fill the void left by that which we will never have again.”
Tangible memories. Brilliant! I love her near-exclusive use of blue; it feels like a cross between traditional Delftware and old tattoos. And her wide expanses of white give the objects portrayed added weight and importance. Her subjects include iconic structures in and around Boston, her home town, and other cities, too, including New York and Paris (my favorites!). And the best part is she tells me she that custom work is her favorite thing, so you can even get her to paint your house (or your favorite house) on a dish or bowl or tray!
All her items would make lovely gifts, particularly for housewarmings and hostesses, but I’m tempted to start a collection of my own. Maybe when we move out of the micro-apartment…
You can follow Nicole Aquillano on Instagram, and you can buy the artist’s beautiful work can be purchased on her website, on Etsy, and at galleries around the U.S.
All images property of Nicole Aquillano Ceramics, used with permission.
January 2, 2022 at 8:48 am
Every piece is lovely!
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January 2, 2022 at 3:00 pm
I think so, too!
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January 2, 2022 at 9:06 am
Cute, cute, cute! I have my eye on a small dish on her website. Prices not too bad, either.
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January 2, 2022 at 3:00 pm
I love all her work!
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January 2, 2022 at 9:17 am
Yes, they sure bring back memories. Didn’t pay attention at the time but my grandmother, who raised me collected thimbles. Haven’t seen one in a long time – Hal
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January 2, 2022 at 3:02 pm
When I was very small, I had a neighbor who collected thimbles. Then one of the babies on the block got into them and swallowed a few. So much for that collection… (The baby was fine. Not sure how the thimbles fared.)
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January 2, 2022 at 11:56 am
Nice nich (sp)..Looks like something I would cherish but the future wouldn’t. ( I’m afraid none of my stuff will be wanted by the next two gens.
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January 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
You don’t need to limit yourself to relatives. My mother started giving away things she knew people would like when she was closing up her house. I inquired about a particular little gew-gaw years ago, and she told me she gave it to the mail carrier. She said it found a home with someone who appreciated it, and that was all that mattered to her!
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January 2, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Yea for your Mom …good idea
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January 2, 2022 at 7:43 pm
We had a little fun at her expense during this phase. We called it Hummels for the Plumber. She laughed.
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