Thanks for visiting Last Chants Studio (being phased out, pages won't load on my slow speed) Try this shop at--> http://www.artfire.com/LastChantsStudio

A one woman show for better or for worse, with over 40 years of experience...I absolutely love messing around with clay!

It all began in the basement of an old 3 story Queen Anne house in Seattle. There was a pure layer of clay in the dark exposed rear edge of the hillside beneath the house. Primal and untouched, smelling of humus and mold, it had a slick, moist consistency that intrigued me. I hoped it would teach me it's secrets in my upstairs art room. After playing and pondering various globs, I decided to order a wheel and kiln. The adventure unfolded as most unexpected adventures do.

Everything I make is earthenware slab, which means I hand roll the clay to whatever thickness is needed. I use a variety of pugged clays, oxides and glazes to achieve the colors and textures. The powdered oxides are blended and dissolved in water so I can dip or paint the surfaces of the bisque fired pieces. Then I carefully sponge certain areas off. (Similar to when you antique furniture. Very messy. Picture something like black Rit dye everywhere.) Glazes are then applied in layers and again, certain areas are scrubbed off. Finally the kiln is loaded for the second firing, which is around 2200 degrees F. All of my glazes are food safe, non-toxic and anything I make can be cleaned in hot, soapy water.

The symbols I create are to remind us of nature, cultural philosophies and cosmic harmonics. Emotions, moods and memories influence the design of each piece. It's an alpha brain wave thing. Artists all know of this beyond time and space feeling that connects us to other realities. That's when the best stuff happens. Are we thankful? Always!

I have acquired many strange objects that allow me to imprint designs onto the soft clay. I use no commercial molds or pattern tools. Instead I break up old jewelry, tear up lace and collect junk like you wouldn't believe. I carve and sculpt little wheels or stamps and occasionally make plaster molds of my small pieces that are destined to be used for semi-production work. Sometimes I carve reverse lettering, pictures and patterns into plaster or clay. If prompted by unseen spirits who want to get in on the fun, I can sometimes sculpt teensy-weensy eyes, noses and mouths that may be part of the next charm face.

And so it goes...I love the experiments, surprises and satisfaction that I get out of being one of the many mud-encrusted artists, in this time, on this planet. And I hope you enjoyed this little walk-through.