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Nikki Dowdell Ceramics

About the Work



My work centres on the interactions between various clay bodies and raw materials under atmospheric firing conditions (cone 10/11 gas reduction). I seek to uncover new possibilities in clay and am in constant awe of the effects these natural materials can produce.

The work evolves from one release to the next as I focus on new discoveries and design elements. I employ a range of glazing techniques with this work, most requiring a number of separate processes depending on which effects I am going for. 

The forms I throw on the wheel serve as canvases for experimentation and exploration of glaze and surface development as I work to build and refine my library of finishes and designs to draw from.



While similar glazes and combinations are used in each update, these pieces are unique one-of-a-kind designs which are difficult to replicate.

Slight changes in glaze materials, supplier, source, purity, compositional differences, firing temperatures and firing durations alter results making almost every batch of glaze turn out different to the last.



These are not commercial glazes, these are my own formulations.

I produce separate bodies of work for exhibition and retail within local and international galleries and stores. Currently, only a small percentage of the work I produce is available online but I have been working to update my store more frequently as I become more proficient with the online selling process.

I do not have regular intervals between shop updates as it’s not possible for me to do so given my on-going workload and other responsibilities. I give at least one week’s notice prior to the listings becoming available via my mailing list and on my social media accounts - Updates generally fall on either a Saturday or Sunday.

My restocks usually comprise between 130-160 items.


~ Cryptic ~


Each update features a small number of Cryptic items with a secret inscription melted into the glaze. I change the text each batch, the content and theme centering on my focus at the time.

The current batch of cryptic items feature quotes from Alan Watts and Albert Camus.

The 'Cryptic' tab will appear in the Shop menu when items are listed.


 ~ Neo ~


My Neo Purple/Green glaze is made using the rare earth lanthanide Neodymium oxide (Nd). This colourant has dichroic/light reactive properties changing from purple under natural and halogen lighting to white or light green/blue under fluorescent lighting. This trick works best over porcelain as this is the whitest/purest clay body.



The 'Neo' tab will appear in the Shop menu when items are listed.


~ Designs ~

Most restocks feature variations of my Rainbow, Sima, Arched, Dotty, Hoops, Melting Hearts, Scribbles, Rainbow Flame and Cool Flame designs. 

~ Batch ~

Batch items are solid-glazed utilitarian items carried by my stockists - these are updated in my online store when they are available. These include my Floating Blue, Sanguine Red, Rutile Mist, Tidal and White Crackle glazes.

The photos in the listings are not necessarily the items available - the finish between batches varies so I try to include several images to encompass all of these variations.



I produce larger items in these glazes for my stockists including vases and bowls in a range of sizes. You are welcome to contact me directly to check availability as these are not always listed in my store.

All batch items can be pre-ordered, I offer discounts for sets of 4+ pieces - please email me for more information.