Nicci Romanovsky Daniele, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, holds a diploma in graphic design and photography. She began her career in advertising. She later co-founded a design studio in Cape Town, where she refined her craft before moving to Albany, Australia, in 2012.

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After moving to Australia, Nicci took a hiatus from her artistic pursuits to focus on running a real estate business. While managing sales, marketing, and photography for the business, she spent seven years in the corporate world. However, her passion for art never waned, and in 2022, Nicci returned to her creative practice, immersing herself in the world of ceramics. Once she discovered the medium, there was no turning back.

Nicci is now a full-time ceramic sculptor, creating unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. Her work spans both sculpture and painting, often exploring mythological themes that intertwine the relationships between animals and humans. Deeply connected to the natural world, Nicci’s creations reflect this bond and aim to evoke emotions while shedding light on social issues.

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In addition to her artistic practice, Nicci has studied art therapy, which has deepened her understanding of the therapeutic potential of art. Her studio is a sanctuary where she employs a range of techniques—glazes, underglazes, and cold finishes—to produce both functional and sculptural pieces. Through her art, Nicci tells stories that celebrate the connection between humanity and nature while raising awareness and inspiring positive change. Nicci occasionally hosts small ceramic workshops at her studio in Albany.

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“My work transports me into a parallel universe, a space where I can engage with my creatures and characters, and time seems to stand still. This alternate world allows me to fully immerse myself in the creative process. Each piece begins with a core concept, often focused on the form, which gradually takes shape as I work. I typically have one or two central protagonists, much like the main characters in a story, and the sculptures I add to the surface further develop the narrative. Just as a book holds its characters and words, my vessels hold the story within.

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Although I start with a foundational idea, my process becomes more fluid as the work unfolds, guiding me to unexpected places. The journey is broken into stages: I first build the form, then add surface details, followed by refinement. After bisque firing, I add colour which I feel is essential in bringing everything together. I love experimenting with underglazes and glazes, especially the contrast between matt and gloss, which highlights texture and form, completing the piece in a final firing process."