Morning Musings: An Exhibition

The Melbourne home of Nick Travers, director of Technē Architecture and Interior Design and his partner Maree Papadakis, draws on Hollywood grandeur, Palm Springs and mid-century design motifs.

Words: Emma-Kate Wilson I Photography: Caitlin Mills

‘I wanted to do a concept that everyone could afford to purchase and engage in - mugs are very personal and unique - I wanted to connect the artist to the end user in a more personal way, and give weight to the consideration of the morning ritual,’ says Nicole Steele. Photo: Jacqui Turk

A selection from local ceramic artist, Katia Carlet. Photo: Jacqui Turk

The Morning Musings exhibition includes work by 50 artists from around the world in a rainbow of colours, striking pattern and texture. Photo: Jacqui Turk

A selection by French ceramic artist, Charlotte Talbot-Mauloubier from Super Ceramics. Photo: Jacqui Turk

The Morning Musings exhibition includes work by 50 artists from around the world. Photo: Jacqui Turk

Nicole Steele has been working and connecting with artists and makers for over 15 years.

Co-creator and founder of Nikau Store in Byron Bay, Nicole created a curated space of approachable ceramic collections from around the world - bridging the gap between artist and collector.

Nicole’s latest creative endeavour, The Outliers, sees an expansion of her inspiring vision – where alternate perspectives, pursuing crazy ideas, and most importantly, curating exhibitions that make your jaw drop, are the focus.

‘Art is for everyone, but in no way is it confined to four gallery walls anymore,’ says Nicole.

Part of Nicole’s latest creative project, Morning Musings, is an exploration of the pivotal relationship between makers and morning rituals, bringing together 50 artists from around the world, each completing 20 cups/mugs, which we can take home for our very own morning musing.

‘The exhibition concept is one I've had rattling around my brain for years, inspired partly by 1000 vases, and my own handmade eclectic mug draw, that even at 5am, I open, pause and consider the vessel which will house my most important liquid of the day, my first coffee,’ she says.

Local artists in the exhibition include Amy Leeworthy, Clay Canoe, Spencer Ceramics, Hilary Green and Ella Reweti, alongside international makers, Amanda Hummes, Wolf Ceramics and Beth Riemer Pottery.

For Nicole, the handmade is not only incredibly valuable, but something that should be part of our everyday.

‘I think there’s something so important about wrapping your hands around a handmade mug - the intention of the artist comes through; it influences your day. You don't have to have a whole drawer of handmade mugs, but you could have one special cup - and that one special cup has made both your day and the artist you purchased it from.’

Morning Musings will continue at Habitat in Byron Bay until Thursday 20th April – for those who can't make the trip up north, it will continue online.

Pieces from Gold Coast-based Spencer Ceramics. Photo: Jacqui Turk

Ceramic work lined up at the Morning Musings exhibition in Byron Bay. Photo: Jacqui Turk

“I’ve always been fascinated with people’s routines - I’ve always loved reading ‘24 hours with...’ to try and gain insight into what makes people tick, what gets them up in the morning, what motives them, what’s their ‘ikigai’ [life purpose]?”

— NICOLE STEELE

The Morning Musings exhibition includes work by 50 artists from around the world. Photo: Jacqui Turk

MORNING MUSINGS: AN EXHIBITION

FROM THURSDAY 13TH – THURSDAY 20TH APRIL 2023

Habitat – 9/5 Easy Street, Byron Bay