From the Editor: Narration with Clay Katie Reaver

Appears in the April 2025 issue of Ceramics Monthly.

In preparing this issue, I have taken the chance to reflect on how and why we share stories. My earliest and strongest memories of narrative are the bedtime stories my dad would make up on the spot each night. These stories branched from a few distinct series with their own worlds and characters whose backgrounds and dynamics were developed over the many years of storytelling practice with his daughters. In my daily life now, stories take the form of podcasts for detailed information on topics ranging from timely to niche, books for captivating tales of fiction and fantasy, and interactions with friends and family laughing through retellings of ridiculous moments, recounting the daily goings on, and squabbling over bits of familial lore. In art, I gravitate toward more open-ended and abstract storytelling, where I can relate to or invest in elements presented by an artist. The clear, common thread in these examples is empathy and connectivity. This issue highlights figurative, illustrative, and sculptural ceramics that engage with viewers to communicate narrative and facilitate connection. 

Cristina Córdova established the Center for the Study of Figurative Ceramics with her years of knowledge and experience as a figurative sculptor. This workshop and residency venue allows artists to sharpen their skills in sculpting the human form for more purposeful storytelling. 

In this issue’s Studio Visit, Molly Anne Bishop invites us into her Chicago warehouse workspace. There, she creates illustrated vessels and figurative sculptures that depict vignettes of life’s small but potent moments. 

Erin Shafkind shares the work of Emily Counts (shown on this issue’s cover), whose energized, expansive installations and multi-media objects explore connectivity, nature, and personal history. 

Taking inspiration from the American West and fueled by personal and political perspectives, Wesley Anderegg makes sculptures and illustrated vessels. D Wood describes his decades-long practice as well as the new directions Anderegg is exploring in the studio. 

Additionally, we share a Q&A with Teegan Nordhues of Pax Lighting, who describes the business’ roots, practices, and approach to ceramic lighting. Tim Saunders presents the flora-inspired porcelain sculpture of Linda Southwell. Southwell goes on to provide a Monthly Method for constructing coiled forms layered with hand-sculpted petals. Kimberlyn Bloise explains how viewers interact with her whistling vessels. Jonathan Kaplan offers a thorough review of ceramic materials for developing a casting-slip clay body. Learn to push the boundaries of terra sigillata with Rhonda Willers’ account of experimenting with unexpected surfaces. 

Finally, be sure to check out our annual Summer Workshops listing, which is now presented online, if you are interested in trying a new process or technique, learning from a specific artist, or spending your vacation time in the studio. Enjoy!