In the past, I've always considered myself a 2-D artist. But since owning and operating a studio that contained a pottery component, I have gained an appreciation of the 3-D arts.
I find there is a meditative quality to working with clay. However, throwing pottery is definitely a different skill set than drawing and painting. When I sit at the potter's wheel, my only objective is to get a vessel-like shape. Since I'm not a potter, this is the most difficult part.
Next, I usually have plenty of clay to work with, so I carve designs or shave the vessel into a shape.
After it's fired I paint the glazes in a very deliberate fashion and create a design with color that compliments the form and shape. I tend to do on one at a time from start to finish. It's like a 3-dimensional painting.
Since closing my studio in February 2010, I haven't had the opportunity to continue working with clay. But I'm hoping that it will be something I can come back to in the future. |