This month’s Resident is Nicola Hart from Greenwich. She is originally from New Zealand however has spent most of her adult life in Australia. Formerly a graphic designer, Nicola discovered her passion for ceramics around 10 years ago which has now become a small business from her home studio.
Nicola shares her local favourites with us, why she loves living in Greenwich and how she discovered ceramics was more than just a hobby.
How long have you lived here and why did you choose Greenwich?
We moved to Greenwich about seven years ago and before that, we were in Riverview for 11 years, so we have lived around this area for quite a long time and our children have grown up here.
Best thing about the area?
I love our proximity to the city and different shopping centres, as well as being so close to the water. It’s the best of both worlds. I also love being part of the creative community in Greenwich, I have made wonderful friends here.
Best coffee in the area or close by?
I am not a coffee drinker, but my friends love The Social Room cafe at Greenwich shops for a great coffee.
What’s your favourite local café?
The Social Room also does great food as well as coffee, but I do love having lunch at The Wooden Whisk in St Leonards. They have lots of delicious healthy choices on the menu, and are always happy to modify dishes to suit someone gluten free like me.
Any local hidden gems you’d be kind enough to share with us?
I’m not sure it is a secret but Greenwich Baths is definitely a gem! It is a section of enclosed beach on Greenwich Point with wonderful views and a great cafe. A perfect spot for families and a quiet ocean swim.
What’s your favourite room at home and why?
It’s definitely my little studio. I have a separate studio down the back of our garden, where I make and fire my ceramics. It is bathed in sunshine all morning and looks out over our house and pool. I feel so lucky to have my own space to create in, it is a very happy place for me.
What does your perfect weekend involve?
I love to go out to a local cafe for lunch and a walk to some of the amazing spots near where we live, maybe also have some friends over for dinner. Also, no weekend is complete without a little bit of studio time!
And can you tell us when you realised that ceramics was more than just a hobby?
I have always loved everything to do with art and making, and I originally went to art school to become a painter. I started making ceramics at community pottery night classes once a week, and quickly realised that I felt my happiest when I was making in clay. The possibilities seemed endless, and I had so many ideas! It started to spill over into time at home and then I began to sell a few pieces. A turning point for me was moving to Greenwich and having the space to set up my own studio. I joined The Greenwich Village Arts Trail which is a wonderful yearly event, and it gave me confidence that my work was unique and people were interested in it. My ceramics are all hand built, which is very time consuming but they are all one of a kind pieces. Ceramics brings me a lot of joy and it is wonderful to share that with others.
View Nicola’s work on Instagram @nicolahartstudios or on her website at – hartstudio.com.au
And fingers crossed on the weekend of the 6th-7th November, you’ll be able to view Nicola’s and other local artists work in The Greenwich Village Arts Trail – greenwichvillageartstrail.com.au
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