Nicole Reblando
Meet Nicole Reblando, the Ohio artist behind Pothead Pottery!
Tell us a little about yourself!
I am a local Cincinnati artist, born in Kentucky. My love for folk art runs deep. As a young child, my parents would create carved walking sticks together, giving them mostly as gifts to family and friends. My mom did many other forms of art from painting and poetry to storytelling of growing up on the farm. I love creating fun and whimsical miniature pottery for air plants. I create several types of mini busts and when combined with the air plants as the hair, they each create unique personalities. Hence the name of her company, Pot Head Pottery. Additionally, I sculpt clay into vases imitating tree trunks and driftwood—the natural homes of air plants. The jug faces mugs and planters are a fun take on Appalachian folk art. Each piece has its own corky personality. I am a mother of six children and two dogs and I make my creations in my home studio.
What drew you to your craft?
Need, I was looking for weird, mini vases for air plants.
Describe your studio space. Where do you like to create?
I use part of the first floor of my row house for my studio. I like making my mini sculptures at my kitchen table, so I can be around my family while I work.
What is your favorite thing you have ever made?
I just made a wall-hanging vase adorned with dogwood blooms.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist, though I did not know through which medium.
How would you describe your creative process?
I see a need and I find a way to fill it.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?
Go for it!! You can do it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Why is it important to support local artists and makers?
It brings everybody up! It helps people to be creative and supports the local economy.
Why do you love doing what you do?
It gives me a passion, pushes me to try new things, and I can work around my family’s schedule. I love the flexibility and creativity.
What advice do you have for other makers who want to start their own business?
Plan. Don’t take criticism too harshly. Learn and grow.
You can find a variety of Nicole’s planters in the shop!
