Crafting Earthiness: The Ceramics of Nicky Parras

This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.

A Sydney Artist’s Journey Through Clay

In the heart of southern Sydney, Nicky Parras transforms the earthiness of clay into tactile sculptures that narrate stories of resilience, memory, and the beauty of imperfection. With a rich educational background that spans across continents and decades, Parras’s journey is as intricate and layered as her ceramic creations. From the bustling art classrooms in Australia to the tranquil studios of Santorini, her path reflects a deep commitment to exploring the bounds of ceramic art and education.

Educational Beginnings and Inspirations

Nicky Parras’s artistic journey began with a Bachelor of Education in Art from the City Art Institute (COFA) in 1989. She built upon her experience of batik, embroidery, and ceramics. Her passion for tactile sensations, a love affair with textures, and a deep-rooted connection to the earth led her to the picturesque island of Santorini. Under the tutelage of master potter Andrea Makaris, a fifth-generation ceramic artist from Naxos, Parras honed her craft, learning the foundational techniques of throwing and the delicate balance of form and function.

The Teaching Years: A Conduit for Change

Returning to Australia, Parras continued her career as a visual arts teacher, sharing her passion with metropolitan and southwestern Sydney students. Her teaching philosophy, deeply influenced by her own experiences as a learner and maker, emphasised the importance of touch, experimentation, and personal expression in the art-making process. This philosophy extended to her work with refugees and ESL students, where she adapted her teaching to meet the unique needs of learners, many of whom were navigating trauma and displacement.

The Current Series: Unearthing Stories

After a decade of teaching and a pivotal experience with COVID-19, Parras returned to her studio with a renewed focus on her own artistic practice. Her current series, developed over the last year, is a testament to her journey, embodying themes of flight, sanctuary, and the search for a sense of place. Through sculptures like “In Flight” and “Mary with Gold Earrings,” Parras explores the interplay between story and material, using porcelain and stoneware to craft narratives that resonate with her experiences and those of the individuals she has encountered through her teaching.

The Influence of Experience and Memory

Parras’s work is deeply autobiographical, drawing on personal and collective histories to create pieces that speak to the human experience. “In Flight,” a poignant representation of the refugee journey, combines the symbolic Australian kangaroo with the figure of a young woman, encapsulating the hope and desperation of seeking a new beginning. Similarly, “Mary with Gold Earrings” reflects Parras’s cultural heritage and personal loss, incorporating elements inspired by ancient jewellery and the significance of Mary in Greek culture.

Upcoming Exhibitions and Future Directions

As Parras prepares for a group exhibition at the Hazelhurst Gallery in Gymea, she focuses on the integrity of her artistic process and the ongoing exploration of themes central to her work. Her approach to ceramics is characterised by a balance between tradition and innovation, where making is both a personal journey and a means of connecting with others.

Insights from Nicky Parras: An Interview

In a recent interview, Parras shared insights into her creative process, her approach to teaching, and the stories behind her most significant pieces. She spoke of the challenges and joys of working with clay, the importance of storytelling in her art, and her commitment to teaching art in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all students.

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