An interview I completed awhile ago was published this past week on a website run by Julia Travers called ‘5 Questions for the Artist’. She asks the same five questions to artists working in all kinds of media. Julia writes, “this site uses a simple but meaningful list of questions to offer concise but engaging conversations with a variety of artists.”
This was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my time in the studio and why I feel passionate about it. I tried not to overthink the answers. My answers may resonate with you or lead you to discover your own. There is no right or wrong answer here.
1. What is art to you?
Art is personal expression. As I’ve grown as a clay artist, I’ve learned to trust my own artistic voice expressed through shape, form, glaze and texture. Art is creative communication that is conveyed through all kinds of media. Music, painting, craft and cooking all offer artistic opportunities. For me, art generates a sensory reaction. Sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch can be stimulated through art.
I'm inspired by the art I've collected over the years and surround myself with it in my studio. This wall features art by a family friend, art gifts I've received, art by my children and a watercolor I made as a teenager.
2. What did you make in the past, and why?
In the past I mostly made traditional clay shapes on the wheel, mimicking what I saw my teachers demonstrate. It was a good way to learn technique and materials. Tall forms became vases or pitchers. Round forms turned into bowls or casseroles. My forms were rigid in structure.
Here is a series of bowls I made using a potter's wheel between 1974 and 1998. Texture, underglazes and layered glazes are techniques I used in the past that are still part of my clay-making methods today.
3. What are you making now, and why?
Now I create hand-built shapes using a slab roller and pattern templates I’ve devised. I assemble the pieces I cut out and texture into the final product. This type of clay production feeds my ability for self-expression. I have let go of rigidity in favor of more fluid and organic shapes. I accept a ‘wabi-sabi’ aesthetic to achieve my desired outcome. I often incorporate a mixed media approach using collected and found materials to finish my pieces. I like making functional items that convey a sense of whimsy.
This series of 'wildflowers' has been fun to create. I'll sell them in bunches at some upcoming shows!
4. What are your hopes for the future?
Creating clay art is the easy part for me. My challenge is sharing, marketing and selling what I make. I’m working on improving those areas of my clay art business through my website and social media. I am so lucky to be able to go to my studio everyday and do what I love. I hope to continue on this path and grow as an artist.
Custom totems are fun to create. I'm in the early stages of making one for a garden in the Southwest. I'd like to make one for your yard. Click on the photo above to get the conversation going!
Click on the photo to view the full 5 Questions For The Artist interview and see some of the answers other artists have shared.
5. What else would you like to say?
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of 5 Questions!
5 Questions for the Artist, © Julia Travers