What is Well Traveled Wares?
About the Human Behind the Art
Well Traveled Wares began as the business name for the art made by me, Nicole Curcio, a painter and ceramic artist from Portland, Oregon, USA. The name began as a play on words, while I was creating abstract cityscapes, inspired by my travels:
- The artist was well traveled, and used travel for inspiration.
- The art was made to last, and therefore would over time become well traveled as well.
But in the back of my mind, I had been dreaming of something bigger. A physical space to immerse oneself in art making, and connect with unfamiliar places and cultures, and share how love of travel could inspire creativity.
From Portland to Portugal: the evolution of Well Traveled Wares
In late 2024, my husband Nick and I relocated to a small agricultural village in the Silver Coast area of Portugal. We found a plot of land with two houses, and a giant garage big enough to house a ceramic studio. The bigger house was transformed into a residency house for up to 4 guest artists, and in 2025 they began hosting artists for residencies. Thus creating a new play on "Well Traveled Wares" and expanding it to visiting artists and the wares they create here and travel home with.
The Art
My love of nature and plant life continues to fuel my creations, as I create planters and plant themed art in our new Portugal studio. Moving to a new country has forced me to experiment with new clay bodies, glazes, and firing techniques. While I still make some of my classic planter designs (Pole Dancing Planters, Plant Shelfie Bookends, and Monstera Pots), the new materials and scenery have me exploring countless new design ideas.
I spend most of her time in Portugal, so my creations are available to ship throughout Europe. Through collaborations with Anna Hopkins and Wil LaBelle, back in Portland, some designs will be offered in small batches to the US, and 1-2 times a year, I travel back to make a collection in Portland as well.
Be sure to sign up for emails, or follow Well Traveled Wares on Instagram, or Facebook.
Residencies, Retreats and Workshops
I also teach ceramics to small groups, and plan to host more art residencies, and group retreats beginning in 2026. The goal is to bring international artists together to share knowledge and creative time, with each other and local Portuguese artists.
Meet the Team Behind Well Traveled Wares
Keeping a pottery business running on two continents, plus starting a residency and retreat program... well let's just say I couldn't do it without these excellent people helping me.