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Inspiration
Making
beautiful and functional art is in my blood. My grandmother, aunt and
mother have owned a quilt store, Glad
Creations, in Minneapolis for over 30 years. I grew up surrounded
by fabric, quilts, patterns and women who found value in making beautiful
things by hand. I have worked in the store since high school, a rare opportunity
for three generations of women to work together in a family business.
My
background in quilting has recently begun surfacing in my evolving pottery
designs. I am currently exploring motifs and patterns from antique and
folk art quilts. When a design inspires me, I re-interpret parts of it
to make it my own and give it a more contemporary spin, creating my own
unique illustrations. I love the way quilts take bits of color and pattern
and put them together to make something new. I'm also inspired by all
the time and meticulous effort put into the quilting stitch, and translate
this to my pots with great care and attention. In our culture of mass-production,
I believe it is of paramount importance that we have unique items to nurture
the soul.
Process
Most
of my work begins on the potter's wheel. I also make a series of slab
built work and handmade tiles. Each piece is decorated by hand using a
variety of tools to impress patterns into the clay. I add accent colors
using underglazes, slips and stains. Pieces are bisque fired, glazed,
and fired again to cone 6 (2230°F) in an electric kiln. Glazes are
food safe and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher. My pieces are
intended to be used and loved, enhancing their owner's homes and tables.
Background
I
received my B.A. in Studio Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in St.
Peter, MN where I first fell in love with clay. I have continued to add
to my ceramics education with classes and workshops at Northern Clay Center.
Prior to becoming a ceramic artist, I worked as a graphic designer.
I
currently live in South Minneapolis with my husband, son, and a silly
Cairn Terrier. My studio is in the Northrup
King Building in Northeast Minneapolis.
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Visit
my blog:
www.emilydyer.blogspot.com
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