Making Art for Everyone
Adriana Senges Nicolini, owner of Adri ARTS – Ceramics. Photo by Jennifer Marquez, JEFAS Magazine.
By Christina Fernández-Morrow, JEFAS Magazine
Ceramics artist Adriana Senges Nicolini believes art is for everyone. Her vibrant pottery pieces aren’t just meant to be admired; they’re designed to be held, felt, and experienced by people of all abilities.
As a renaissance woman who painted, performed theater and even played with the orchestra in her native Uruguay, it’s no wonder that when she moved to Iowa she explored a new form of art: pottery. Today, she is not only creating pieces inspired by her life and culture, she is teaching Central Iowans how to master pottery-making in English and Spanish.
“I would like to form a community of pottery artists because I don’t know any Latino ceramics artists,” she says thoughtfully.
Art Through Touch: Pottery Designed for All Abilities
In the meantime, she is slowly making a name for herself as a vendor at events across the metro. From Potteryfest to handcraft markets, Senges Nicolini can be seen surrounded by brightly painted mugs, vases, bowls and even sippy cups. What sets them apart from other ceramics is the distinctive texture she imparts on each of them.
The texture serves multiple purposes. It makes the pieces fun and unique, but it is also intentional and meaningful.
“My work explores the idea of art being for everyone. I use vivid colors to represent my Latina heritage, but I also incorporate bold textures to enhance the tactile experience,” she explains. “Being the daughter of a visually impaired mother made me realize that my art should not be solely visual, it’s meant to be held and felt, as our hands perceive stimuli differently.”
“Mother” by Adriana Senges Nicolini. Photo by Kunzler Studios
This philosophy came to life in Senges Nicolini’s first piece from her collection selected for an arts exhibition that she made in honor of her mother. “It’s a vase with two hands holding three smaller vases each with a phrase in Spanish braille,” she describes. While she ships her work across the globe, this piece holds special meaning. She hopes to share it with her mother on her next trip home.
Building Community, Celebrating Heritage Through Vibrant, Textured Pottery
For now, Senges Nicolini is focused on building community in Iowa while growing her business, Adri-Arts. Currently sold through Kunzler Studios, from where she teaches and creates, she hopes to have her own studio one day.
“I would like my own space to grow more as an artist and teach a community of Spanish speakers. I also speak Portuguese, so I would love to teach in Portuguese, too,” she shares. As a new Iowan, she knows this dream will take time to realize. She is thankful her husband shares her vision and is her biggest cheerleader as she gets there. From buying her extra bags of clay to loading and unloading at events, he is by her side and his encouragement keeps her motivated.
“The language was challenging at first, and the uncertainty of my future as an artist in an unfamiliar country was overwhelming. Being an immigrant and attempting to make a living through art is not an easy task, so I am incredibly grateful for my husband’s support,” she notes.
Adriana Senges Nicolini, owner of Adri ARTS – Ceramics. Photo by Jennifer Marquez, JEFAS Magazine.
Universal Access: Making Ceramics for Everyone
As she advances her English, expands her network and acclimates to Iowa winters, one thing remains constant: Senges Nicolini is well on her way to making ceramics accessible to all who want to experience it – from those learning to create it, to those who want a beautiful, handmade, one-of-a-kind piece.
Her textured pottery serves as a bridge between cultures and abilities, ensuring that art truly can be for everyone.
