Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
Be VERY open to change at all times. By freeing yourself of preconceived notions or dogma when approaching the material dramatic shifts can happen in the journey you take as an artist. Master technical skills, inundate yourself with historic references, become adept with contemporary ceramic art and then get to work. Do you have a favorite artist? If yes, what draws you to that person’s work? I have many “favorites” at this moment. I look at folk art from India and China, textiles from the Mughal Empire, Rhinestones from the 1940’s, fashion by Alexander McQueen, and most recently Agnieszka Osipa as well as contemporary clay artists such as Chris Pickett and Matt Wedel. Who inspired you the most to become an artist and start making pottery/ceramics? Way back when Clary Illian was still making cone 10- she was a sabbatical replacement for an instructor of mine. |
I felt she was a true potter and lived a life that was dedicated to her work. She made such an impression on me at that point in my life. There were formal issues she addressed within her conversations about pots that I hadn’t been exposed to until then. I knew it was the dialogue I was searching for.
Can you remember one of the first things that you made with clay? What makes it memorable?
Even though I threw pots for years- my first works were organic forms from coil. I have returned to a version of those beginning works oddly enough. Hopefully they are more informed now- but I am still taken with basic organic forms that have a strong sense of volume and line. My travels have impacted how I address surface now however.
Can you remember one of the first things that you made with clay? What makes it memorable?
Even though I threw pots for years- my first works were organic forms from coil. I have returned to a version of those beginning works oddly enough. Hopefully they are more informed now- but I am still taken with basic organic forms that have a strong sense of volume and line. My travels have impacted how I address surface now however.
What's your favorite continental clay body to work with?
I work with the cone 6/7 super white that has a corresponding slip caste. I find it is very easy to work with due to plasticity and can hold up well to the way I work. I highly recommend it when I do workshops etc. The casting slip is also so easy to work in conjunction with the hand built pieces. I manipulate the pieces and other clays would crack etc. This clay has great response to touch and holds up to press molding. What do you like most about working with Continental Clay? The company is locally owned and family operated. They are invested not only as a business but on a personal level with the artists in the community. They take time to address every question, need or request from their customers and this fosters great relationships. Over the years I have felt more like a member of their crew vs. just a customer with a purchase order. |
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What do you like most about being a part of the clay community?
There is such a rich history of working potters here in Minnesota and I feel fortunate to reside here. The ceramic arts are supported through major grants, studio tours/sales and galleries which is actually unheard of in other areas of the nation. Northern Clay Center is also an amazing place due to the internationally acclaimed artists they bring to the area through grants and residencies. NCC also actively promotes education and fosters a supportive environment for dialogue in the ceramic arts. It is a very unique place to be able to work and I feel privileged to have a studio there and take part in that community.
There is such a rich history of working potters here in Minnesota and I feel fortunate to reside here. The ceramic arts are supported through major grants, studio tours/sales and galleries which is actually unheard of in other areas of the nation. Northern Clay Center is also an amazing place due to the internationally acclaimed artists they bring to the area through grants and residencies. NCC also actively promotes education and fosters a supportive environment for dialogue in the ceramic arts. It is a very unique place to be able to work and I feel privileged to have a studio there and take part in that community.