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My mother is a seamstress and growing up I watched her layout fabric, cutout patterns and assemble the pieces into wonderful clothing. That is my approach with clay. I roll large slabs of “ clay fabric,” cutout the templates I have created and begin assembling with darts, extruded additions and texture. The method of construction is apparent. Seams overlap and become a design element; rims are not perfectly round but encircle the piece like loving arms; each one unique in spirit.
I want my work to make people smile. The pieces are playful, whimsical and functional. Pouring tea from a clown inspired teapot or eating yogurt from a polka dotted bowl transforms the mundane into the sublime. My pieces are decorated using lots of colorful underglaze, slips and terra sigillata, carved using a sgraffito technique and finished with a clear satin mat glaze. The white stoneware clay is fired to cone 6 in oxidation. All my work is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.
Recently, I have begun a series of work using lowfire earthenware clay. Spending summers on a Maine island walking the beaches and paths allows me time to observe; I am inspired by the textural elements found in the exquisite detail in the nature around me.
Enjoy!
Sandi
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