Linda Arnold
Whimsikettle
Spring, Texas
Website: http://whimsikettle.com/
Email: linda@whimsikettle.com
Artist Statement
I enjoy a good cuppa tea; that’s what began my journey in ceramics. My journey to learn how to make the perfect tea pot. I like sharing my love of bold colors and interesting shapes with those who are looking for a little whimsy in their lives.
Studio Description
I have a small home studio with two wheels, a large worktable, slab roller, three kilns and commercial glazes, as well as chemicals to make my own glazes.
What type of clay do you use?
Mostly porcelain, some stoneware
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 5/6 and Cone 10
What is your primary forming method?
I like to hand build, but I’m getter better on the wheel.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
I like using stamps and rollers for decoration.
Do you make any of your own tools?
No.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Whimsical
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
The workbench that my Dad and I built together.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Music – I have it playing constantly through my HomePod.
What are your top three studio wishes?
An assistant, a Disney contract to create custom tea sets (this would be a dream come true), and a digital controller for my (big) manual kiln.
What’s on your current reading list?
“Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I recycle as much clay as I can.
How do you recharge creatively?
It’s nice to be able to travel and see the world differently. Failing that, my friends and family help me to see things differently when needed.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
I’d love to hear others' tips on efficiency – I find that I am not efficient at all.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
I’d like to master crystalline glazes. I’d also like to develop my drawing style to become a bit more recognizable and more efficient.
What did you first piece look like?
It was a coil bowl that I raku fired and it ended up looking like “Oogie Boogie” from “A Nightmare before Christmas.”
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
I’d like instant years of experience so that everything would be great most of the time. I love learning, but sometimes failure sucks.
What is your studio playlist?
Kate Bush, Sarah Bareilles, Marshmello, Logic, Sofi Tukker, Illenium, Led Zeppelin
Why do you create art?
It a way for me to share my love of tea pots, cups, colors, and shapes with others.
What is your best studio tip?
Don’t let your dog eat the clay. It may not come out well in the end.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
I’d love for it all to be translucent at any thickness.
