Sam Le Rougetel,
Antithesis Ceramics,
Seattle, WA
Website: http://www.antithesis-ceramics.com/
Email: sam@antithesis-ceramics.com
Artist Statement:
I make ceramic sculptures that conjure up varied emotional responses through their combination of abstraction and natural forms that create unique narratives for the viewer.
Studio Description:
My studio is approx. 200 square foot and looks out onto my garden. My main work bench is 8 foot by 32" and I have an electric crucible kiln 27"deep by 37"long by 26" wide. Clay, art books, tools, a comfy chair, music and ceramic sculptures permeate.
What type of clay do you use?
LF-06 sand and paper clay and Vashon Buff Grog.
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 04-06
What is your primary forming method?
Hand built.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Mixing metallic glazes with cobblestone and opaque colours.
Do you make any of your own tools?
No, but I am a pragmatist, and will use anything that is lying around my studio to help support sculptures whilst building.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Organic.
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Only I know where everything is.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My kiln.
What are your top three studio wishes?
1) To have a separate kiln room.
2) To always keep it tidy.
3) For it to become a shrine to ceramic sculpture.
What’s on your current reading list?
The Ceramics Bible.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Not very effectively, I need to recycle clay better.
How do you recharge creatively?
By cooking everyday, by playing golf, skiing, and doing yoga regularly.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Save the daily newspaper for using in the studio.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
To start networking within the ceramics community and begin to show my work more.
What did you first piece look like?
My first piece is/was an awesome cheeky, primitive alien gold head that was derived form the oil paintings I was doing at Chelsea College in 2009.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Non Collapsing Power.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
I have never had one and am self taught. I look at the internet at people like Gordon Baldwin.
What is your studio playlist?
House music on sound cloud like Glitterbox and KEXP radio.
Why do you create art?
It's the only thing I can do that lends me any meaning beyond family life.
What is your best studio tip?
Perseverance.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Nothing, I love it.
