Carolyn Ford
Gaffney, South Carolina
Website
www.carolynfordart.com
Artist Statement
Deeply influenced by history, modes of communication, and irreverent tales, my work investigates bygone colloquialisms, origin stories, and folklore from travels to home. Exaggerated yarns and "unladylike" imagery poke fun as a form of escapism.
Studio Description
I am fortunate to teach at a small, private university, thus having a lab at school with electric kilns, wheels, and slab roller as well as a "dungeon" basement studio at home called "disco laundry."
What type of clay do you use? I typically use local Highwater clays; however, I am attempting to venture out to experiment.
What temperature do you fire to?
cone 5/6
What is your primary forming method?
Wheel throwing
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Sgraffito
Do you make any of your own tools?
Yes, I have made homemade oxide brushes with my own hair as well as deer tail, slip and score tools, ribs, trim catchers, texture stamps, banding wheels, etc. I call it "Frugal Ford-ing."
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Narrative
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
At home: my dogs. At school: the lab community/sharing of ideas.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Fingernail clippers!!!
What are your top three studio wishes?
1. Collaborate w/ other artists promoting ceramic arts
2. Share my excitement and curiosity to evolve skills
3. Get my Mission Pipes into the public!
What’s on your current reading list?
I listen to audiobooks and podcasts to multitask while in the studio.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Recycle everything, shop sales, drive to pick up, eat Ramens, prioritize art tools over other junk.
How do you recharge creatively?
TRAVEL Attend conferences, research artists that inspire, try a new tool or technique, go on a dog walk, and the occasional G&T with friends.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Maintain good lighting to enable all-nighters. Turn off the phone. Organize and take care of your tools. Keep your space clean and clutter-free.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
I'm a very short female from the Bible Belt. That's a loaded question.
What did you first piece look like?
Like me: Short and Stout!
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Endurance: If I could create without distractions or need for rest, never wearing down with trial and errors, I could be prolific!
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Patrick Siler: he is a humorous, prolific artist who supports those he believes in!
What is your studio playlist?
I listen to a TON of house music, alternative, old hip hop, bubble gum, podcasts & audiobooks.
Why do you create art?
I've got the need to make things I can draw on. We need more humor, random silly, and weird in our daily lives. If it's functional, that's a bonus!
What is your best studio tip?
If carving, I recycle water from my dehumidifier to mop the studio floors nightly. Also, keep a to-do checklist up with a calendar to achieve goals.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
No shrinkage