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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Interview with Michelle Hamilton


Our Mother's Day Trunk Show in the Gallery Shop includes the work from local ceramic artist Michelle Hamilton! Her Spring inspired pieces are colorful and functional! I love her nestled bowls! They are the perfect size for dipping sauces!

During her visit, Michelle agreed to answer a few questions for us!

Tell us about your process:
My Work is wheel thrown cone 10 porcelain. It is multi-fired in an electric kiln. The imagery comes from two sources. The flowers are photographs from my garden. The birds and french posters are book images from the 1800's. All imagery is manipulated using Photoshop and printed using a fireable decal process.

What is the inspiration for your work?
My number one source of inspiration is photographs of my garden and the orchid show at the Missouri Botanical Garden. My photographs are integrated into two different series. My functional line combines my love of bright colors with the simple act of using a piece of art in your everyday life. My large Urn series also utilizes multi-layered botanical imagery but combines it with classic forms and the occasional tongue and cheek look at life.

What do you love most about working with clay?
It depends on the day or where I am at in the creative process. I love to throw and honestly think that a freshly thrown piece is at its most beautiful state. I love to glaze. Anticipating the energy that color can bring can be a thrill. Finally, using one of my pieces or better yet a piece from a friend or admired artist. Functional clay art just makes food taste better!

Do you have and advice for budding ceramic artists?
Listen carefully to the masters. Read about processes and look at other work. Then go to the studio shut the door and create what makes you happy.

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