Haus Stoneware by Ailish Nienhaus

Haus Collage & Stoneware

Story by Poppy Fitzpatrick. Photography by Jack Fenby.

Page left: The Buff Raku Tarchyte ‘Water Jug’ features a satin white glaze on the interior. This page: The White Raku ‘Blue Valerie’ vase features a white satin glaze while the Buff Raku Trachyte ‘Charcoal Black’ vase features matt black.

Falling in love with a new piece of art feels like an exciting beginning. But for the maker, handing over a finished product marks the end of a long-term affair; the final closure of an intimate relationship to make room for the next labour of love. Once a piece is finished and displayed by its proud new owner, its life often becomes still.

But something about Ailish Nienhaus’s work both in collage and in clay seems to remain in constant movement, carrying with it a sense of life that demands to be noticed.

When Ailish was nine years old, her father’s work moved the Ling family to Victor Harbor from the small Victorian town of Kerang. The family of five quickly thrived in their new south coast home. With her mother working as an art teacher at Encounter Lutheran, her father a gifted guitarist and two older brothers driven by creative pursuits in photography and music, art permeated all areas of Ailish’s upbringing.

Completing high school at Tatachilla Lutheran College, Ailish’s relationship with art found greater depth through her year twelve research folios. Many of her lunch breaks were spent in the art room happily engrossed in projects, while the pages of her maths books combined spectacular expressions both algebraic and artistic. Ailish graduated with a plea from her art teacher to ‘Please do something in this field!’ It was a path Ailish knew she wanted to take, but wouldn’t necessarily be easy. ‘I want to be an artist!’ is a statement that, to loving parents, holds concern for stability, despite its passion.

A happy compromise emerged through a double degree combining a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Arts at Flinders University. Ailish’s love of collage – discovered while in school – reemerged, with her graduate exhibition showcasing a fascinating approach to self portraiture through the medium.

Top left and right: The textured green vases ‘Full Moon Rising’ and ‘Meet Me by The Pool at Midnight’ are being sent off to Milan for the 1000 Vases exhibition in September this year. Bottom left: The Buff Raku Trachyte ‘Key Bowl’ vase features a speckle white glaze. Bottom right: Ailish Nienhaus in her studio photographed by Thomas Ling.

Here she learned clay hand-building techniques from volunteers – some of which she still uses in her current practice. When the pandemic ended this community gathering and relief work became scarce, her social outlet instead became an isolation hobby. Ailish bought a heap of clay and dedicated her spare time to honing her skills from her backyard shed in Middleton. All sorts of shapes emerged from her informal studio, which she took to be fired at Hill Street Pottery.

Fate played a hand when Ailish’s electrician husband, John Nienhaus, spotted a pottery wheel in someone’s home while on a job. Telling them of his wife’s backyard hobby, they mentioned a kiln they were trying to rehome. John brought it back, rigged it up and Ailish was ready to complete her artistic process entirely from home. After losing many pieces to the arduous trial and error of getting to know the kiln – some even completely melting into the shelves – Ailish enlisted the mentorship of local ceramicist Gerry Wedd. With his advice, she found the kiln’s sweet spot and Haus Collage & Stoneware began to take shape.

‘Haus’ is an ode to Ailish and John’s shared last name, Nienhaus, while also celebrating the art’s origins from their quaint Middleton home. Her work highlights the uniqueness of handcrafted ceramics: each imperfection meaning no two pieces are ever the same. Using traditional hand-building techniques to create contemporary, experimental pieces means the vases step away from their functional use to form captivating sculptural statements.

With surfing and the ocean a central part of Ailish’s life, as well as a fascination for the human body, both her collage and stoneware are underpinned by a sense of motion and fluidity. Each curve and gesture of the clay interacts with its surroundings through shadow, negative space and its tactile surface.

Ailish’s true love for art lies in the process and its meditative qualities – something she wants other people to experience through texture and movement. ‘I just get lost in the process and I want people to view the piece and fall in love with it as much as I have while making it,’ she says.

Haus Collage & Stoneware will be making its international debut in Milan this September, for the ‘1000 Vases’ exhibition. Ailish’s work will be on display among many unique pieces by independent designers from over 35 countries. Lucky for us here on the Fleurieu, her work can be found at Valley of Yore in Myponga and Charlie & Jack in Victor Harbor, as well as other locations scattered throughout Adelaide.

Explore Strathalbyn

If you’ve ever spent time in Strathalbyn, you’ll likely remember the centrepiece of the town – the Soldiers Memorial Gardens. Shadowed by towering trees and the sweet honey fragrance of flowering blossom in late winter, the gardens anchor the centre of the township.

Page left: The spectacular Soldiers Memorial Gardens boasts the meandering Angas River as a centre-point to the township. This page above left: An array of toys, clothing, books, games and more at Argus House. Top right: A curated selection of homewares and clothing make Hills & Coast a great place to find that special gift. Bottom right: Maurice Lorenz, master jeweller at Metal & Stone.

The environment is no less beautiful once your feet leave the grass and hit pavement. Strathalbyn’s township is built on the ancestral country of the Ngarrindjeri and Peramangk people, with heritagelisted buildings adorning the streetscapes, including the original Laucke Flour Mill, majestic churches and antique shops.

There’s so much to see and do in this charming village, whether on a jam-packed day of discoveries or a weekend away when you can slow down and truly savour the town’s offerings. Follow the newly added street signage to easily make your way between the two main shopping precincts – High Street and Commercial Road – without missing any of the highlights this township, some say the prettiest in the state, has to offer. >

Top: A unique and locally made treasure is sure to be found at the Strath Collective. Bottom: The fashion, homewares and furniture have been selected with a designer’s eye at High Street Trading.

Shop

When heading to this picturesque part of the Fleurieu, it’s natural to want to explore the incredible local businesses. If you’ve parked near the central gardens you may find yourself gravitating towards the fresh and enticing Hills and Coast on Commercial Road. It’s full of gorgeous local products including Etikette Candles, striking stationery and prints by local artist Zinia King, as well as an ever-increasing selection of clothing, jewellery and homewares.

Just a short stroll away, Argus House, in one of the town’s original two-storey National Trust-listed buildings, is eclectic and fun. It’s become a Strathalbyn institution with generations of families shopping here for unique gifts, fashion and accessories in what used to be the printing press for the Southern Argus newspaper.

As you begin to make your way towards historic High Street, wander down Albyn Terrace for beautiful custom-made jewellery pieces at Metal and Stone. Specialising in sourcing stunning diamonds and coloured gemstones, you may be tempted to encapsulate the memories of your Strathalbyn trip with a stunning one-off piece.

If you love environmentally responsible Australian products, continue along Commercial Road as it turns into Dawson Street and pop into Strath Collective, where 32 local suppliers display their wares. Think ceramic artists, luxe candlemakers like Willow Evie Candles

Above left: Colourful finds around every corner include silk flowers, garden wares and large vibrant artworks at Rustic Gem. Above right: The eclectic and colourful selections at The Potting Shed on Sunter include an array of what you’d expect – and lots of surprises. A real gem among garden stores.

and bright jewellery creations from Oddity Mai among others. If you’d prefer an experience, you can get hands-on with a Japanese-style sashiko stitching workshop, an art class or perhaps try making your own natural body products.

We wouldn’t blame you for getting distracted by an Argus River Trail walk as you head towards High Street. A stretch of the legs and a chance to up your heart rate might be the perfect pre-lunch interlude.

Before it’s time to fill your belly, High Street has a few distractions of its own to offer. Homewares store High Street Trading certainly demands your attention with its beautiful heritage windows framing the thoughtfully curated collection of products for the home and heart within. Meander through five immaculate rooms featuring quality interiors, clothing and furniture.

Continuing along this historic strip, Rustic Gem is bursting with colourful homewares and gifts to make you smile and brighten your home. Under the ethos ‘live with what you love’ there are joyful finds around every corner, including silk flowers, garden wares and large vibrant artworks by local artists. >

Above left: The newly renovated ‘beer garden’ at Hammer & Tongs. Delicious food and cold beer with atmosphere? I say, yes! Top right: All made in-house by chef Carolyn, the Pickle Pot has a great providore selection and ready-made picnic takeaways – as well as great coffee. Bottom right: The Appleseed Cafe has been a fixture on the High Street for some time. Great casual dining and friendly staff at this bustling eatery.

The Potting Shed on Sunter is a must visit for plant lovers and gardeners. It’s such a creative and inspiring space to walk through with so many fun, sculptural ideas for creating your own oasis. With plenty of seasonal colour, garden lovers will want to move the car closer to transport their living purchases home.

Eat and drink

When it comes time to refuel, there’s options aplenty. For a quick coffee on the go, you can’t go past Hammer ‘n’ Tongs with a friendly service window facing Commercial Road. If you’ve got time to linger, sip your latte and read the morning news in their newly completed outdoor beer garden. Ready to eat? Grab breakfast or lunch in the expansive inside seating area or snag a booth street-side. Weekends bring a buzzing atmosphere with tapas and wood-oven pizzas on the menu, plus a great selection of gins and wines.

If you’re after something a little more earthy and wholesome, or a selection of smallgoods for your picnic platter, then Pickle Pot is your locale. Right next door to Argus House, this providore will have you salivating at every turn. Everything is beautifully presented with an open window display full of abundant quince, fresh Portuguese custard tarts and flaky pork sausage rolls straight from the oven. Carolyn’s hearty soups are perfect winter fare accompanied by Small World Bakery bread.

Above left: Expect small town friendliness and atmosphere with a nicely selected beer and wine list to help wash down the great pub style meals at the Commercial Hotel. Top right: Enjoy a stay at the High St. Inn, a cosy three bedroomed BnB, located right on High Street! Bottom right: Enjoy a warming meal inside by the fire, washed down with a glass of Bleasdale ‘Mulberry Tree’ cab sav, or a cooling ale before heading straight to your newly refurbished selfcontained accommodation at the Victoria Hotel.

Make a beeline for The Appleseed Cafe if the hunger pains hit while you’re wandering High Street. Conveniently situated in the centre, it offers fresh, quick and easy dining options like falafel wraps or treat yourself to something from the ever-changing range of beautiful homemade cakes, muffins and scones with quality coffee.

If pub fare’s more your style, book in for a comforting meal at the Commercial Hotel. Sit outside and enjoy the winter sun or head indoors to dine in the cosy interior. It’ll feel like you’re popping in for a home-cooked meal among friendly faces, without the cleaning up.

Stay

This quaint village sure packs a punch for its size, so consider an overnight stay to make time to visit the Antiques Bazaar and book shops like Fred’s. Or perhaps take in a museum, browse vintage car shop Collectable Classics or wander the Stationmaster’s Gallery. Pre-empting this, we’ve done the groundwork for you.

High Street Inn is a cosy, three-bedroom BnB, perfect for a couple of couples to stay and enjoy. Conveniently located – as the name suggests! – in High Street, you can do a spot of shopping before retiring to read your book beside one of the fireplaces. The Inn’s former life as a restaurant means there’s a commercial kitchen on >

Top: Guests rave about the expansive rooms and well-tended gardens at the Strath Motel. Just off the beaten track but close enough for a walk to the local shops and cafes. Bottom: A stone’s throw away in Sandergrove sits the lovely Charlicks Cottage. Sit for just a minute and observe native birds enjoying the surrounding trees and gardens. A true country retreat with hospitality plus – and a cosy fire for those cold winter nights.

hand, perfect for hiring a chef to create an in-house dinner party for a special occasion.

Also within walking distance to Strathalbyn’s relaxed bustle is the Victoria Hotel, centrally located on Albyn Terrace. Sip a glass of sparkling in their gorgeous French-inspired alfresco area surrounded by bright red geraniums while overlooking the Soldier Memorial Gardens. Or enjoy a warming meal of baked pistachio-encrusted chicken inside by the fire, washed down with a glass of Bleasdale ‘Mulberry Tree’ cab sav, before heading straight to your newly refurbished self-contained accommodation. Perfection.

If arriving from the Adelaide Hills you’ll know the Strath Motel, proudly situated on the corner of the main roundabout into town. A 4.5-star accommodation, the hotel’s modern interior style is complemented by country hospitality and charm. Guest reviews rave about the expansive rooms and well-tended gardens. And if travelling with your four-legged friend, pooches are welcome too – complete with treat.

For those seeking a true rural farm setting, make the short seven minute drive to nearby Sandergrove and relax on the verandah of Charlick’s Cottage, wine in hand. Unwind while listening to native birds, taking in the view of the gardens and soaking up the farm’s ambience. Gus the resident cat may also make your acquaintance. Comprising two bedrooms and cosy open fireplace, you can nestle in or enjoy the nearby Nurragi walking trail or scenic drives to Milang and Langhorne Creek.

Fancy a longer stay? The nearby Langhorne Creek wine region is bursting with delightful eateries and picturesque cellar doors awaiting your arrival. Think cool maritime climate whites and gutsy reds. We bet you’ll be planning your return visit soon.

Visit Strathalbyn

A secret worth sharing

Strathalbyn’s Town Centre Revitalisation Project is an eight-stage fully funded master plan that will transform the town and draw people into this beautiful and much loved township in the Alexandrina region.

Strathalbyn boasts two shopping precincts and the project will see improvements made to connect these spaces, add vibrancy to the town, attract more visitors and draw people in from the Adelaide and wider Fleurieu areas.

The Town Centre upgrades will reimagine the streetscape and Town Hall to help foster community connection through shared open spaces, landscaping, and signage for both visitor information and historical significance.

With a vibrant arts and culture scene, project upgrades to the Town Hall will breathe new life into a treasured historic building. Located in the heart of Strathalbyn’s town centre, the revamped Town Hall performance venue, along with streetscape improvements, will reinvigorate the township to welcome future businesses and build community liveability in Strathalbyn. The Town Centre Project will foster a vibrant community feel as more people look to move away from the metropolitan hustle and bustle to build a lifestyle with rural surrounds and endless possibilities. This project will create employment and build the local economy to make the most of the Fleurieu Peninsula region’s flourishing tourism industry. With stages one and two works underway, the $10 million project is expected to be completed by 2023. Council is committed to transforming the township to see Strathalbyn grow and prosper.

Find out more about the project at alexandrina.sa.gov.au/strathalbyntc