C L AY WA R E S S PA R K F I R E
Potters throw themselves into unique art
BY KAY PLAVIDAL
A surprisingly large community of talented potters call Alpine home. Their work is as unique and varied as the artists themselves. Whether it’ s an encore career, profession, or hobby – they are all pursuing their passion and the joy that comes from working with clay.
Top: Stewart smooths the soft clay slab that will become a decorative plate. Bottom: " High Desert Agave " hand-carved terracotta tiles by Stewart
Above: Teapot by Freeman Right: Freeman carves in her studio Far right: Hand-carved vase by Freeman
JANET STEWART Near the end of her professional career as a public educator, Janet Stewart received an unexpected gift: a box of clay. She recalls,“ I couldn’ t stop playing with it; had to make myself put it away.” So it’ s no surprise that shortly after retiring to Alpine in 2006, Janet enrolled in a Ceramics class at Sul Ross State University. Thus began her“ encore career” as a potter.
For six years Janet studied under Ceramics Professor Jim Bob Salazar, who many credit with building the Sul Ross ceramics program. Jim Bob was“ a major influence and promoter of ceramic arts and artists in this area,” says Janet.“ He is without question the greatest influence on my ceramics career, and I think the same could be said for others.”
JUDY FREEMAN
When she was 28, Judy Freeman studied for six weeks with famed pottery artist Charles Counts at his internationally renowned Rising Fawn Studio in Tennessee. But family obligations intervened, and it was almost three decades before she touched clay again.
After retiring in 2005, Judy studied for six years at San
Antonio’ s Southwest School of Arts and earned a Fine Arts Certificate in Ceramics. She moved to Alpine in 2011 and now spends most days in her pottery studio transforming porcelain clay into functional works of art. She admits,“ It’ s what gets me up in the morning … brings me so much joy.”
Judy’ s work is heavily influenced by her first teacher, Counts. She loves
Pottery making is a highly technical process with an almost unlimited number of variables, beginning with the type of clay and firing method and ending with the type of glaze. In between, the smooth clay surfaces can be carved, stamped or otherwise enhanced. Although she’ s been making pottery for almost a decade, Janet continues to delight in learning and experimenting with different clays, glazes and forms. Her body of work reflects that. A crystalline-glazed vase is just as likely to emerge from her studio as a brightly colored tile tabletop, sculptural figures, or a hand-carved terracotta tile.
Janet is grateful that she had the good fortune to retire to Alpine.“ It gives me great pride to call myself a potter … I am part of a crafts tradition that is ancient, worldwide, and enduring.”
Janet’ s work is on display at Gallery on the Square in Alpine.
Crystalline-Glazed Plate by Stewart the idea of combining beauty and function. Her passion lies in creating handmade vessels that are useful in everyday life yet pleasing to look at, touch and hold. Her works include tea bowls, teapots, bowls, vases and donabes for clay-pot cooking.
Judy believes that pottery making lies somewhere between craft and art. Perfecting the fundamental elements of shape and form are essential before she begins her signature surface treatment of carving. Her exquisite motifs are primarily inspired by nature and the border culture of the Big Bend.
View Judy’ s work at CatchLight Gallery and Brown Dog Gardens in Alpine.
12 BIG BEND GALLERIES AND ARTISTS / 2016