I have been firing a lot lately at least once a week. Recently, I have been inspired to move my work into a new direction. After testing, testing and retesting I found a palette that really fits my style and mimics ocean colors. I also incorporated some mason stains and black under glaze to give the darker feeling I want my work to show, considering it is to initiate thought of extinction.
I look forward to my monthly issue of Ceramics Monthly as most potters do. I love to see other work, glazes and the letters from artists that give tips on their personal experience. I often look at old issues for inspiration and the comment section of October 2008 caught my eye. This was titled What do we seek? What are we offered? by Jack Troy (page 176). It was about another artists’ presentation. The article went on about how absent his details were when he spoke of his art. How they were disappointed and wondered more than ever about his emotions and why he did what he did. So they suggested some questions they wish he would have answered. That made me realize a majority of viewers may wonder the same about my work.
So here are some of the questions asked with my personal reply:
“As you reflect on your career, could you mention how your process-choices various clay, firing methods and other media seemed especially appropriate for expressing the ideas you had?”
Originally I worked in the high fire clay Phoenix. Then I would salt fire it a St. Pete Clay Company. I loved the hues of salt fire plus it matched my Saltwater Ceramics theme. But I lost control of my palette choices and how quickly I could fire. So I bought a kiln and work with low fire white earthenware. I have complete control over my color and when I fire; therefore, my work and technique has grown tremendously.
“How important is it for you to put into words what you articulate in clay and the other media you use?
For marketing it is crucial to entice people about my work. But words can only explain my art; I really want my work to connect to the viewer on it’s own. I don’t want to steer them away from their personal aspect.
