KLAC Potters Honour Earth Day
Submitted by Amy Terrill
April 22nd is Earth Day and who better to comment on their connection to the earth than the KLAC members who literally get mud under their nails? We reached out to our potter members to ask them, “How does the Earth bring inspiration to your work?”
Mary Sullivan, Stoneware
All of my pottery relates to the beings around us; animals or scenery are on all of my functional work and sculptures. Potters rely on elements of the earth. From the clay we use, to the ingredients in the glazes. Silica, Feldspar, Bentonite. I reclaim my clay, but I still worry about my own impact on our fragile planet. Earth Day should be everyday, and we need to start yesterday.
How does Earth Day make you feel? Sad
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Karina Bates, Stoneware
Like many potters, I am strongly influenced by the world around me. I have lived in the country most of my life, so designs inspired from nature are definitely motifs I turn to. However, I am also a student of history and am also influenced by historical designs in architecture, metalwork, glasswork and textiles amongst others. There is also something very zen and mindful about working with clay that comes from the earth.
How does Earth Day make you feel? Sad
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Lucia McHardy - Kawartha Wilds Pottery, Stoneware, Raku, Primitive Fire
I live in a rugged region of Kawartha Lakes, surrounded by woods and marshland. It’s quiet and muted beauty gives me the imagery that decorates my pots. I hand build, which is a slow, meditative process. The peacefulness of the countryside helps me. When I’m depleted, I go for a walk. The natural world magically calms me and restores my balance.
Earth Day makes me feel hopeful; I hope you feel it too.
