Clay–More
Nicole Steele’s new design destination in Byron Bay, which she shares with local artist Jai Vasicek, features a beautifully curated selection of ceramics and plants.
Words & Photography: Hande Renshaw
Nicole Steele in the Byron Bay space she shares with local artist, Jai Javicek. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Mari Masot ceramics and Mulier candles at Clay–More. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Ceramics by Emma Gale and Mari Mascot sit alongside Mulier candles. Photo: Hande Renshaw
White vase from M.A.C, mugs by Clay–More, patterned vases by Amy Leeworthy. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘It’s very much a summer mix at the moment. Primary bright colours, fun energetic pieces – I feel like after the last few years, people are ready to embrace colour, and move into having a bit of fun with their interiors and collectable pieces.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
It’s very hard to go past the spectacular beaches along the coast of Byron Bay, but it seems lately, we’re there for more than a swim or a surf; the arts, fashion and design scene has become a destination in its own right.
From the Industrial Estate to Bangalow, Brunswick Heads and within Byron Bay’s town centre, there’s a multitude of inspiring and beautiful curated homeware stores and galleries brimming with local and international artist’s pieces.
Nicole Steele’s new retail desitination, Clay–More, which she shares with local artist Jai Vasicek, is one such space.
After the wrap up of her previous store Nikau at the end of 2022, Nicole was keen to continue the relationships she had developed with artists over the past 6 years.
Having worked with Jai as the founding team of Newrybar Merchants, the pair decided it was time to join creative forces again, and within two weeks prior to Christmas, they designed a fit-out and made it happen.
‘It’s a great fit as Jai is very inspiring, we’ve always bounced well off each other and I have a lot of respect for his journey as an artist,’ says Nicole of the union, ‘Working alongside each other, but not together, means we can bring new energy to the space and keep those creative flows happening.’
‘The space is very much bright and light. Surrounded by Jai Vasicek’s muses is an inspiration and I love how my collection of artists bounce off his artworks,’ says Nicole Steele. Photo: Hande Renshaw
“I get to make magic with the most amazing artists – I don’t think there is anything greater than receiving a mystery box of work from artists and then telling their story to the many wonderful customers I have.”
‘There are so many great artists locally and around the world – I believe the magic is always in the mix. I love how a Bianca Pintan piece can sit next to a Nonna’s Grocer candle.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I’m always looking for unique pieces, collectables that people will love forever. Anything else added to the collection, such as candles, must be plant-based, and made in small batches by artisans.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
A ceramic pot by Peta Armstrong sits alongside vases by Amy Leeworthy. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Cermic vases by Amy Leeworthy, incense holders by Oh Hey Grace and mugs by Whiskey+Clay. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Nicole has always been fascinated with the concept of pairing plants with handmade ceramics, while also making her own ceramic pieces. The collections in the store are all delicately matched with plants she has sourced herself.
The Clay–More selection of ceramics currently includes pieces by local Byron Bay artists Bianca Pintan, Emma Gale and Spencer Ceramics, as well as pieces from Mari Masot from Barcelona, Whiskey+Clay from Mexico and Oh Hey Grace and Simone Karras from Victoria.
‘It’s hard to put into words what draws me to certain artists - it always starts with art or pieces I would curate for my own home. I can normally tell straight away from an email or a message from an artist if we are going to be simpatico. I think as a ceramic maker myself for the past 9 years, I understand the disasters, the triumphs, and all the in-betweens in creating, so I’m always happy to go with their making flow,’ says Nicole.
Coming up for Clay–More is a brand new website, which will be focused on the release of fortnightly drops of collectable pieces from both local and international artists, along with a mainstay collection of Nicole’s own work.
‘We also have a couple of exhibitions in the works, one here in Byron and one overseas. I think I’m possibly crazy with all the concepts on board, but I’m always keen to give it a go!’ We can’t wait to see what comes next.