Nausika Richardson

Nausika Richardson, 68, passed away peacefully with her loving family all around her in her home in Dixon, New Mexico, on February 6th, 2011, after many years battling courageously with cancer. The eldest of three children born to George and Vera Collaro, Nausika was born on May 5th, 1942 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Her father was a Greek merchant and her mother a Slovak doctor. Her childhood was filled with dramatic travels though out Europe and America, from Austria to Canada to Turkey and finally the family immigrated to the USA in 1956 where she received her higher education and graduated from the University of Michigan. Her multicultural background was expressed in her color filled refined ceramic artwork and paintings as well. She loved to travel and find inspiration in the folklore of different cultures, especially the Slovak, Greek and Italian majolica. Most of all she enjoyed the solitude in her studio on her land by the mountains. Nausika lived in Dixon in the beautiful Embudo Valley of Northern New Mexico for over 40 years and established herself as one the major ceramists in the region. Her work was filled with light and playful brushwork that in many ways reflects the richness and fullness of her own productive life. Her artwork was as vibrant as her exotic and rich personality. There was a lyrical depth in her later work that came from her a strong connection with the landscape she lived in. Nature was her primary inspiration and her magical works are filled with wonders of the universe. Nausika is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Andrew Collaro of Santa Fe, NM. She is survived by her sister, Viera Collaro of Denmark, her 3 children Phillip, Debbie and Faith and 6 grandchildren Jordan, Felix, Kael, Taylor, Sophia and Krista. She also has many relatives overseas. There is a memorial service Saturday, February 12th at 2:00 p.m. at The Embudo Presbyterian Church in Dixon followed by a potluck reception at 3:30 p.m. at Nausikas Studio in Dixon at County Road 0064, #30A. In remembrance of Nausika, the family requests that in lieu of flowers and or gifts that donations may be made to the New Carnelian Center who is working toward a home for the healers and wellness practitioners of the Embudo Valley to be able to work together under one roof. Donations accepted at this website: http://carneliancenter.org/support/