Hear about her inspiring business journey
Photography courtesy of Lee Illfield
Newcastle’s premier art and design market, The Olive Tree Market, has been curating a lineup of artists, designers, makers, and gourmet artisan food producers since 2008. We caught up with Jacquie Garcia of Leiluca Ceramics to hear about her inspiring business journey and her six-year strong relationship with The Olive Tree Markets.
The one-woman creative force that is Jacquie Garcia has turned her lifelong love for art into a thriving small business. From vibrant market days to her studio at Hamilton North’s The Creator Incubator, Jacquie’s signature ceramics have steadily gained a loyal following, both in our local community and beyond.
Jacquie Garcia
Born and raised in Newcastle, Jacquie’s journey to launching Leiluca Ceramics in 2018 wasn’t immediate; it was a winding path filled with creativity, family, and the unwavering courage to leap into the unknown.
“I studied at the National Art School in Sydney and majored in painting. I’ve always been interested in art and have dabbled in ceramics all the way through. After I had my kids, I fell back into ceramics by doing classes with Kara Wood, alongside my dad. This led to a reignited passion for clay,” Jacquie said.
These sessions with Kara Wood rekindled her creative passion, prompting Jacquie to transition from the corporate world to the dynamic and tactile world of ceramic art.
“My nan ordered ceramic Christmas gifts for everyone in my large extended family to start me off and then the business took off from there. If it wasn’t for the faith my family had in me, it may have taken much longer to get the confidence to try.”
Named after her daughters Leila and Luca, Leiluca Ceramics carries the warmth of family in every piece, a sentiment that resonates with the many customers who admire Jacquie’s work.
“I bring art and utility together in unique and usable ceramics. Each piece balances abstract forms inspired by nature with practical design, allowing the work to function as both art and everyday objects. This blend of aesthetic beauty and use invites users to experience the natural textures and forms in a way that enhances daily life.”
Central to Jacquie’s business is the connection with her community, and few places facilitate this more than the Olive Tree Market. For the past six years, Jacquie has set up her stall at this popular Newcastle market, which has become a gathering place for local artists and residents.
“Market days are always fun and buzzing. I love chatting and catching up with stallholders and the general community as they look at my works. There is always great music and food too so it’s a great day out for everyone.”
The Olive Tree Market is more than just a market, it’s a vibrant celebration of Newcastle’s creative spirit; a place where artists and makers are celebrated by locals who truly value the dedication behind handmade creations.
“I love so many of the stalls at Olive Tree Market. They have always done a great job at curating a diverse market with lots of wonderful stall holders.”
Leiluca Ceramics’ stall at the market offers an array of unique products that reflect Jacquie’s vision. You can find everything from mugs and cups to salad bowls, vases, and even earrings, all handcrafted and uniquely detailed.
For the holiday season, the Leiluca Ceramics stall at The Olive Tree Market will feature a special collection of Christmas decorations, which could become a cherished part of your family’s traditions.
Beyond the Olive Tree Market, Jacquie’s work can be found at the gift shops at both MAC Museum in Lake Macquarie and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery as well as inside Newcastle’s Make Space at Newcastle’s The Station.
Her studio, located at The Creator Incubator – a hub for local artists – will be open to the public on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 as part of the Australian Ceramics Open Studio trail, giving you the chance to see her creative process up close.
Leiluca Ceramics is a testament to Jacquie’s artistic evolution, her dedication, and the power of community. To see her work for yourself, get along to the next Olive Tree Market at Civic Park.
