Danielle Callahan
Chester, Pennsylvania

Artist Statement
Most of my work starts with play...poking, cutting or pushing clay into some found texture or pattern. Working quickly is my norm. Things fall apart often or get pushed into another piece. Wood firing changes everything and is always impressive.

What type of clay do you use?
High-fire stoneware

What temperature do you fire to?
6-12 wood firing

What is your primary forming method? 
Handforming—pushing into outdoor textures and/or poking with sticks, bricks, rolling and cutting.

What is your favorite surface treatment?
Wood firing is my favorite method and gives me "surface treatment" not attainable otherwise.

Do you make any of your own tools?
I like to work outside and use found textures/patterns often. I'll bring some favorite things like rocks, sticks, chunks of concrete, and bring them inside to have on hand.

What one word would you use to describe your work?
Rugged

What is your favorite thing about your studio?
I'm lucky enough to have one.

What are your top three studio wishes?
A personal cleaner, massage therapist, and strong, silent, invisible helper!!

What’s on your current reading list?
Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisolm, and Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.

How do you recharge creatively?
Take a nap and/or take a walk. Time outdoors in a beautiful environment is always invigorating and inspiring.

What is your studio playlist?
I love quiet.