Louise Buth
Buth Studio
Marana, Arizona

Artist Statement
I've always been drawn to the figurative, with it's expressiveness and strong emotional potential. This probably stems from my earlier work with paintings and drawings! But now,...I've found my new love, sculptural ceramics, to be uniquely satisfying!

Studio Description 
My studio is a small room in my home with all my tools and equipment. A bit cramped,...but it works! I have to admit, I dream of a roomy garage (heated and cooled) with lots of tables and shelves to keep in-process work, and display finished pieces!

What type of clay do you use?
Laguna Speckled Buff

What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 6

What is your primary forming method?
Sculptural, hand formed

What is your favorite surface treatment?
Varies per project

Do you make any of your own tools?
Stamps and roulettes, and working on underglaze transfers right now

What one word would you use to describe your work?
Intense (I hope!)

What is your favorite thing about your studio?
It's very close and convenient, if a tad small!

What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Kiln and slab roller (2 essentials)

What are your top three studio wishes?
More space, tables and shelves with a nice display area, a pug mill, a banding wheel.

What’s on your current reading list?
I love ICAN videos.

How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I scrimp and make do!

How do you recharge creatively?
Take short day trips to beautiful locations with my senior pup as companion!

Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
I recommend the book: "100 Tips, Tools, & Techniques for the Ceramics Studio" by Ash Neukamm (ed.) Lots of ideas, although I'd wish for an index!

What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Fear of failure, leads to procrastinating! Work when tired, b/c there's no fear when exhausted! Now I understand it, and have "beaten" my fears!

What did you first piece look like?
Sincere but "crappy"!

What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
A wonderful visual memory! Would have been a great advantage with my drawing!

Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Jada Ahern, introduced me to Ceramics 5–6 years ago.

What is your studio playlist?
Classical, Folk Music, Early Rock, etc.

Why do you create art?
It's highly satisfying, although it can be frustrating until you work out "what you wanted to say" with the piece and tap into its visual power!

What is your best studio tip?
Work a bit everyday (I'm saying that to myself as well as you)!

If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
I live in Arizona, and clay dries so fast...very frustrating!