FEATURED ARTIST

We have a potter to present to you - or should I say "ceramics artist" - Come and meet



Here is our interview with the artist, Laurie -

Briefly describe what you make?

I make fine art, functional ceramics. Each piece is hand-crafted by me and no two are alike. I use stoneware and porcelain clay and fire in electric, gas and wood-fueled kilns depending on the surface result and color I am seeking with a particular piece.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Clay, Clay and Clay. I had tried painting and photography, but from the moment I touched clay, I was hooked. I would someday like to combine clay with photography, but I will always work in clay. I get my need for variation by trying different firing techniques. I tried wood-firing again this last fall after many years just using an electric kiln and just loved the results. It's a lot of hard work, with unpredictable results, but so worth the effort.

How long have you been creating craft?

Prior to my first pottery class, I would call myself an arts and crafts dunce. I was never good at making things as a kid, except for mud pies. I have now been make pots for close to seven years.

How did you get started?

When I moved to D.C., I knew no one. So I started taking art classes as a way to meet people and as a creative outlet from work. I had no talent at painting. When I quit my job, I couldn't afford to keep up with photography. I was always drawn to pottery in galleries and stores, so I decided to give it a try. I took my first pottery class at a community center in 2003 and a year later moved to the Art League in Alexandria. I became an associate there last fall.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Claytastic is a blend of clay and fantastic, which is what I think of pottery - it is just fantastic to make and use.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I make my pieces to be used and touched. Not only are they dishwasher, microwave and food safe, but the texture and shape is comfortable to hold and use. I have given a lot of thought into the usage of each piece. Also, my inspiration is multi-faceted. I am inspired my nature, architecture, the human figure, the colors and textured of the places I have lived and traveled. Who I am is present in each piece of work.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Get outside your current environment and expand your inspirational inputs. Travel. Go to museums of all kinds. Take pictures of everything. I have learned that sometimes things we don't even think about being our inspiration, subconsciously inspires us and finds it way into our work. The more inputs you have, the richer and more interesting your work will be.

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There are some very nice things to see in this shop! Click on over there now - and then return to leave a comment for the artist!