A Love Affair with Clay
When I was about three or four years of age, we lived in a house which had a swampy area out in the backyard. My friends and I would gather out there whenever we could armed with our young enthusiasm, imaginations, and our aluminum pie pans. There we would entertain ourselves for many hours making “mud pies”. Since it was my house, I dubbed myself the “head pie maker” and took great pride in the myriad of mud pie recipes I created. I loved the loose feel and texture of it as I worked it and molded it with my hands. Thus began my love affair with mud, and clay.
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My first formal introduction to the medium was in middle school art class. We were given assignments in art class to create some tile relief pieces. I was again engrossed in the process of mold and moving the moist clay and the way it would dry and set, then turn to “stone” when fired in the kiln.
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When I entered college, I was a Fine Art major with focus in painting. As part of our curriculum, we were required to take other art classes (electives) outside our major. I decided to take a ceramics class as my elective for a semester. I remember going to the ceramics studio and seeing rows of wheels, both electric and manual kick, tables lined with buckets of glazes, many pieces in various stages of being completed. Everything had a fine fog of clay dust suspended in the air and much of the areas and floor were spattered with wet and drying wet clay mud. I was back in mud pie world again! The other thing I observed was that the studio had a feeling of community, comradely, and focused aliveness. People were busy creating, but also interacting a lot with each other. It was a much different atmosphere than my painting classes, which seemed aloof and competitive.
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My first attempt at creating something on the wheel was frustrating to say the least. Trying to maintain control of the clay, while it was moving felt like trying to tame a wild beast. This shifted after a couple sessions and more practice, it became as natural as breathing to me ; I was hooked. I loved the feel of the cool wet clay passing through my hands and was mesmerized by the way I could alter the form with the slightest pressure change; how the clay responded to my intent and touch. I spent as much free time in the studio as I could making cylinder after cylinder.
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During this time I came to know and befriend a young man who was the studio assistant to the professor. I was amazed at his work and it was compelling to watch someone who had mastered the technique. His sense of form and technical abilities made his work shine amongst the other students. He became my inspiration and my muse. He also became my part time private instructor, giving me tips and sharing his own technique and wisdom. I didn’t reach his level of competency but, I now had someone to emulate and something to aspire to.
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Much to my regret, I was not able to repeat another semester of ceramics as a painting major. But a very potent seed had been planted. I left the University with degree in Illustration and Science. I went on to enter a Masters degree program at University of Michigan. My love of working with clay was not forgotten, but I put it aside as I pursued my other interests and career. A few years later, when I got my first job as a professional illustrator in Houston, TX, I found myself seeking out someone who could teach me in ceramics. I saw an flyer for small group lessons with a local professional ceramist. I enrolled myself for an 8 week course. It was the highlight of my week, to go to class. I was also introduced to a professional potter in Houston, who seeing my gift and passion for this type of work, allowed me to pay her a nominal fee to use her studio once a week. “You’re a natural Argus“, she said to me as I sat covered in clay at her wheel.
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I continued in this manner for many years. Wherever I moved to and was working, I would always incorporate some sort of private instruction in ceramics. Though it was sporadic, I saw my skills and work improve and evolve with each class I took.
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It was in the fall of 1998 that my work and skill as a ceramic artist really advanced when I ended up living in a condo above the Creative Arts Center in Chatham, MA. The entire basement of the Center was a Ceramic studio, where classes were taught. I introduced myself to the Director and the instructor. Since I was living above the Art Center, we made an arrangement that I would load and monitor the kiln for the instructor and in exchange, I was given access to the ceramic studio. This was fantastic, as I was able to pay for my clay and work in the studio. I spent hours there on the wheel, throwing various forms and after a couple months saw wonderful progress in my ability.
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My journey and love affair with clay and ceramics continues today, and I am passionately immersed in this wonderful medium and process!
