Hi x
NICHOLA P SELBY, FOUNDER
"Find the Beauty of Inspiration in Every Turn"
​I have been truly blessed throughout my life, especially by the phenomenal variety of creativity that has always surrounded me!
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My darling Mother and Grandfather were both amazing artists and exceptionally inspiring... Being exceptionally creative, my Mum enjoyed a plethora of media, each a masterpiece in its own right, that would leave us utterly speechless at the sheer beauty. So, whether a stunningly handmade costume for one of my numerous Ballet recitals or a gorgeous stained glass window for our lovely home, Mum's creations were always a wonder to behold...
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Such influence led me to find a love and passion for Pottery and Ceramics very early on! In fact, it was during a School Holiday club that I met the most wonderful Potters, a lovely couple who changed my world. It took merely a few hours of Mike teaching me about this amazing craft for me to fall in love, and I became totally and utterly hooked!
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Being such a beautifully adaptable natural medium, clay has been a constant source of joy and inspiration throughout my life.
Unfortunately due to my ever declining poor health amongst many other challenges it took me many years to pursue my art more consistebtly but this beautiful journey continues to enrich my world in far too many ways to describe!
In fact, even my academic background, which includes a First Class Honours degree in Psychology, informed my understanding of the human experience and the profound therapeutic benefits of creative expression! My final thesis encompassed a qualitative research paper exploring the impact of creativity on well-being with exceptionally positive results.
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As a fully qualified Trauma-Informed Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation teacher, I have integrated many wonderfully positive practices into our Pottery Studio and Creative Hub. I believe that creating with clay is not just about beautiful pieces but also about fostering a mindful, inspirational connection to ourselves, our surroundings, and our community!
Therefore, each session is designed to encourage self-discovery, relaxation, and joy! Ultimately, opening our hearts so whether in the studio or at home, my life and that of my family are continually enriched and blessed.
​I am beyond grateful for the wonderful team and community I have gained over the years! It is purely due to their ongoing support and love that I can juggle disabilities, chronic pain and a multitude of health issues which often leave me hospitalised, bedbound and worse! However, we believe this is the utter beauty of Conscious Studio Pottery.
We are a family, one that cares wholeheartedly and, as such, supports each other in all ways. This includes our home lives, but most importantly, every creative moment and the fantastic resulting pieces!​​​​
Alongside our gorgeous studio, I am also the very proud mother of three amazing sons and a beautiful Niece. I am the loving wife of my wonderful husband, Michael, who could not be more supportive or involved, and we are very grateful for the constant love of my Dad, who taught us the virtues of never giving up on one's dreams! We are also lucky to have the most truly magical friends xxx
As previously mentioned, I am disabled due to a host of horrible health conditions that have challenged my world since I was a child; however, I believe these constant challenges make it even more imperative to spend any well moments I can to enjoy the craft I utterly adore with those I love!
Although this is only ever possible because of those already mentioned, and even more so, my beautiful best friend Claire, my Sister who loves and cares for me in any way she can! Claire is an absolutely fantastic Potter and artist, so she volunteers at the studio whenever she possibly can...
These beautiful souls genuinely fuel my passion and drive, reminding me of the beauty of creativity in everyday life!
Whether volunteers, exchange technicians, or a pottery apprentice, together we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone who wishes to can express themselves freely while learning new skills and connecting with others who share their artistic journey.
It is an utter joy to watch Students arrive, having never touched clay before, go on to finish their time with us, having made the most exquisite ceramics!
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Nothing could be more enriching, which is exactly why our teaching methods and approach are rooted in compassion and encouragement to ensure everyone feels welcome and respected as they explore...
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​The wonder of our studio and those part of it know as do I that when life gets too complicated and sometimes just too much, we can all find absolute solace in the soothing process that is throwing clay on a Pottery Wheel or hand-building something special!
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It is such an honour, a true pleasure to do what I love because Pottery enhances my life and well-being in so many fabulous ways. Hence, we wholeheartedly recommend this gorgeous craft and all things creative to all we can, in hopes they will join us to experience the wonderful escape of each beautiful technique, allowing the mind to still, peacefully drift away, and all worries disappear!
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Please know that here at Conscious Studio Pottery, we are fully dedicated to nurturing your artistic spirit, fostering wonderful connections, and making all things possible and accessible within our community space!
So if you join us to explore pottery for the first time or to deepen your skills, we welcome you all to enjoy this wonderfully mindful journey with us.
Together, let’s create, connect, and celebrate the beauty of Clay!
