The audio file for this article was produced by the Ceramic Arts Network staff and not read by the author.
Ceramics Monthly: How do you develop the surfaces that are prevalent in your work?
Heather Lepp: Inspiration for my surfaces comes from objects that carry a sense of history, nostalgia, and comfort. For example, the worn wooden floor of my kitchen tracks the daily passage of time walking between the counter and stove.
To reflect this in my work, I leave process marks evident in the creation of the piece. I trim all my work by hand, leaving irregularities as the tools chatter over the clay creating hewn grooves. I then pour multiple layers of colored slip over the
textured surface of the dark earthenware, creating depth and variation. When fired in the soda kiln, these layers are enhanced—some areas erode while others accumulate sodium carbonate, forming a natural patina. Trimming tails, thumbprints,
and slip drips are celebrated actions of the process that leave behind an impression of activity. The result creates a visual and tactile record of action and a surface that appears worn as if well-loved through years of use.
1 Heather Lepp's Teapot, 8 in. (20.3 cm) in width, earthenware, low-fire soda, 2024.
CM: What role do you think makers play within today’s culture? How do you think you contribute?
HL: In today’s culture, present-day makers are more important than ever in forging connections through cultivating well-crafted objects. In an era dominated by digital interactions, makers bring a human touch to a material world,
emphasizing quality, intention, and authenticity. By allowing industry to take the brunt of mass production, contemporary makers can focus more on individual expression. This means I can pay greater attention to the nuances of form, function, color,
and surface in my studio practice. I can explore the way the belly of the form holds volume and space, how the handle feels between index and thumb, or the emotive quality of the color. Through exploring these subtleties, I can craft objects that
carry personal meaning and encourage deeper connections.
2 Heather Lepp's Pitcher, 13 in. (33 cm) in height, earthenware, low-fire soda, 2024.
CM: What is one piece of advice you would offer to others pursuing ceramics?
HL: Trust your intuition, make lots of work, and wholeheartedly follow those creative rabbit holes—they always lead somewhere important. Be open to making mistakes and treat yourself with kindness as you learn from failure. It’s
also valuable to have one or two trusted individuals who truly understand you to offer honest feedback. But ultimately, let your instincts guide your decisions. And remember, if we had it all figured out, we’d be bored and looking for a new
career!
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The audio file for this article was produced by the Ceramic Arts Network staff and not read by the author.
Ceramics Monthly: How do you develop the surfaces that are prevalent in your work?
Heather Lepp: Inspiration for my surfaces comes from objects that carry a sense of history, nostalgia, and comfort. For example, the worn wooden floor of my kitchen tracks the daily passage of time walking between the counter and stove. To reflect this in my work, I leave process marks evident in the creation of the piece. I trim all my work by hand, leaving irregularities as the tools chatter over the clay creating hewn grooves. I then pour multiple layers of colored slip over the textured surface of the dark earthenware, creating depth and variation. When fired in the soda kiln, these layers are enhanced—some areas erode while others accumulate sodium carbonate, forming a natural patina. Trimming tails, thumbprints, and slip drips are celebrated actions of the process that leave behind an impression of activity. The result creates a visual and tactile record of action and a surface that appears worn as if well-loved through years of use.
CM: What role do you think makers play within today’s culture? How do you think you contribute?
HL: In today’s culture, present-day makers are more important than ever in forging connections through cultivating well-crafted objects. In an era dominated by digital interactions, makers bring a human touch to a material world, emphasizing quality, intention, and authenticity. By allowing industry to take the brunt of mass production, contemporary makers can focus more on individual expression. This means I can pay greater attention to the nuances of form, function, color, and surface in my studio practice. I can explore the way the belly of the form holds volume and space, how the handle feels between index and thumb, or the emotive quality of the color. Through exploring these subtleties, I can craft objects that carry personal meaning and encourage deeper connections.
CM: What is one piece of advice you would offer to others pursuing ceramics?
HL: Trust your intuition, make lots of work, and wholeheartedly follow those creative rabbit holes—they always lead somewhere important. Be open to making mistakes and treat yourself with kindness as you learn from failure. It’s also valuable to have one or two trusted individuals who truly understand you to offer honest feedback. But ultimately, let your instincts guide your decisions. And remember, if we had it all figured out, we’d be bored and looking for a new career!
Learn more on heatherleppceramics.com.
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