Maureen Davis
Rakumd
Washington, North Carolina
Artist Statement
I specialize in raku pottery. I am drawn to the spontaneity that the raku process affords. My pieces are wheel thrown and simple in form, allowing the glaze to make a statement. I am self-taught and have been working with clay since the early 1980s.
Studio Description
My studio is above the garage where we live in Washington, NC. Plenty of space. Heat and AC. I share it with my cat, Pip.
What type of clay do you use?
White stoneware with fine grog
What temperature do you fire to?
04 bisque and typically between 1700–1775° during raku firing
What is your primary forming method?
My pieces are wheel thrown.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Glaze. I generally use more than one glaze on a piece. I occasionally do naked raku and horsehair.
Do you make any of your own tools?
No.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Unique
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Easy access
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My cat
What are your top three studio wishes?
A new floor, a better spot to wedge, someone to clean up for me
What’s on your current reading list?
News
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I am a weekend potter so buy in small amounts
How do you recharge creatively?
Instagram
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Successfully recovering from an upcoming hand surgery
What did your first piece look like?
It was in high school and we used balloons. Mine ended up looking like a cows udder
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
I do not really have one. Instagram provides a lot of inspiration.
What is your studio playlist?
Indie-folk/singer-songwriter
Why do you create art?
I think I would go crazy if I did not. I like to keep busy. Art has always been a part of my life
What is your best studio tip?
Sing along with the music and talk to the cat
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
It would be self trimming.
