I make functional ceramics, both hand-built and thrown on the wheel, using narratives in a series of black and white "Story Cups" illustrated with images of lush tropical vegetation, wild beasts both real and imagined, people on journeys through mountainous landscapes or sailing across waters.
In another series, I create anthropomorphic teapots wearing hat-type lids. The magical world of beloved children's books fuels my imagination. I impress the clay with textures of found objects from the natural and urban worlds I live in. These textures offer a backdrop for the glazes to mingle with and trickle through, creating rich surfaces. The color and patterns of Vuillard and Bonnard paintings are also sources of inspiration to me.
I graduated in painting with a BFA in 1972. A few years later, I founded a small publishing company, The Peaceable Kingdom Press, working with illustrators of children's books. But I kept feeling the pull to return to my own artwork. After seventeen years, I sold the company and plunged into ceramic arts. That was nine years ago. I find this medium delightful and endlessly fascinating.
I would love to hear from people interested in my work. I shy away from commissions, because my creative process seems to come from the inside out, but I'm always interested in creative synergy.
-- Olivia
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