Featured Maker: Nikki Wallace-Bell

Mar 06, 2025

March: MEET THE MAKER

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Hello makers,

Today we are chatting with Nikki Wallace-Bell, a ceramicist based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Nikki crafts the most beautiful mugs, plates, vases, and tumblers, each clearly inspired by her love of natural landscapes. There is a texture and earthiness to her tableware, a real feeling of connection to the land.

I first fell in love with Nikki’s work when I found her at Encraftment market one year. My husband and I spent a long time trying to pick just two of her mugs, we loved them all :) And now that I know she teaches pottery classes I’m very excited!

Nikki’s Artist Statement:

My work is inspired by the beauty of the natural environment. It echoes the cycles of nature, from the depth and complexity of the land, to the vibrant colours of the sea and sky. I use the elements of clay, glaze, and fire to create ceramics which reflect nature and embrace the warmth and comfort of home, bringing a level of sophistication to a space.

Here is her story.

How long have you been working as a maker or artist professionally or as an entrepreneur?

5 years

Did you switch careers from something more traditional to become a maker/artist? Can you give us a little about the path you have taken?

I did a three dimensional degree in the Uk. I was only 18 years old at the time and wasn’t sure what I’d end up doing. I specialised in ceramic sculpture in the second year. I loved the other options, we explored in the first year but clay was so versatile I decided to stick with that. I left with a BA Hons in Ceramics. I decided yo give it a go from my parents garage. This was pretty hard as I didn’t have the set up needed to fire pieces. I started teaching as an instructor in my old high school to try to get some income. I loved the teaching so decided to do a post grad. I then taught in high schools as an art teacher for 15 years until I left for New Zealand (NZ). My teaching career didn’t allow time for any making myself. I was also working full time and raising a family. Life was very busy. I always hoped one day to be a maker again. The move to NZ was part of that. I’ve been here for 21 years now and am now 5 years into being a maker and it feels so good.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

SM prep - computer work (enquiries, shopify account orders, newsletters etc.)
Coffee time / get outside experience nature
Prep for classes / meetings Studio time - making, tidying, research
Teaching

What pivotal moments or decisions shaped your path as a maker or artist?

Giving up full time teaching in schools
Setting up a studio space at home
Buying a kiln
Being part of ‘Know your Place’ Art + Environment.

If you could tell young people who are thinking of starting a handmade business, what advice would you give them?

Just do it! Small steps at a time. Celebrate the wins don’t focus about the losses. Building a reputation takes time so be yourself and build connections naturally. Don’t make work that doesn’t bring you joy. Allow time for new ideas and play.

Do you find time to experiment with your creativity now that it's also your job?

I’m trying! Working out a range of homewares has been a challenge. I have that sorted now, but it took a lot of time. I struggle with getting in the headspace for my sculptural work. It’s not like throwing on the wheel. It means a lot to me to develop and make work that speaks a message or has a narrative. I’m still teaching in my own business too. I love that but I’d like to spend more time on my own ideas.

I'm often curious when I see makers share all the different ways they make their art or business work financially. Can you share if you have various income streams?

Teaching gives me most of my income stream at the moment. I then sell my own table and homewares at markets. I have an online shop but this is only selling classes at the moment. My goal is to sell my own work as well. Maybe this is the year for that! I also get orders from clients that I make, as and when, they come in.

Platters and serving dishes taught in one of Nikki’s workshops.

What are the most common challenges you face being a maker or artist?

Prioritising my time! Developing ideas. Balancing the books so that I get the income I need and making my heart sing! I’m still on that journey. I’m ok with that as I am in control running my own business and life.

How do you combat the loneliness that often comes with working as a solopreneur?

Such a good question! I’ve just moved premises for that very reason. I’m not competitive in my work, I respect all that decide to take on ceramics as a hobby or career. It’s such a long process. Loneliness happened for me. Working alone from my home studio at times can feel lonely. I connect with people online and have just moved into CAC (Climate Action Campus) and am loving my new co-working space and having other like minded people around on a daily basis. I’m a collaborative kind of person. I love working together towards a common goal.

How do you approach future planning in your creative work or business?

I don’t really do this in a way that I think I should. I should create achievable goals, write them down and work out the steps to get there. The start of the year would be good to do this. I have ideas in my head at the moment of directions I want to go in. I’m going with the flow at the moment and allowing room for things to happen. I do plan every day tasks especially so that I can give those students attending classes the best deal. My own work fits around that. This year I’m trying to condense my teaching prep time to the same day I’m teaching. The theory being, that the other days are for my own work. Doesn’t happen so easily with ceramics though. The process means you need to be available everyday to check on things. Some things can wait but other things can’t. Business wise - financial goals are probably a good thing to have too. I don’t do this either at the moment. Probably should. I just think I’m busy enough already so keep going!

What are your most important values in making the work you do?

1. Making domestic ware that people love to touch and use
2. Making work as sustainably as I can
3. Being an agent of change - an artist that produces work that has a narrative that people get to experience in a visual way. My sculptural work (penguins peninsular), and making keep cups with community are both projects I really value.

How do you overcome creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

Just accept them as they come and allow the time to be nourished. Inspiration then comes. Just sit with it and keep that belief going. Don’t look for final ideas. PROCESS is so important.

What resources or communities have been most valuable in your journey?

1. The people/groups I have met through my classes
2. My whānau - support for everything I do
3. Connections with other communities that care about nature and sustainability
4. Other ceramicists that share their knowledge and experiences and encourage you to keep going
5. Not for profit organisations that have helped me create beautiful spaces to teach from

Thanks so much for sharing your journey Nikki! You can find her work and classes online at nikkiwbceramics.com, on Instagram @nikkiwbceramics.

I’ll be back soon with more stories from local makers!

Until then, happy making,

Esta