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Rene Murray, Rene Murray Studio
Brooklyn, New York
Website: http://www.renemurrayceramics.com/
Email: rene.murray@verizon.net
Artist Statement:
The buildings I saw on a trip to Italy produced a response of joy and wonder. After many years of creating clay containers, these were the types of vessels that I had been unknowingly searching for—with their archways, towers, and staircases.
Studio Description:
A one story industrial building in the Gowanus area of Brooklyn, N.Y. Large enough for a 25 ft. gas kiln, for plentiful work and storage space and a big display of finished work that can span many years.
What type of clay do you use?
Low fire, intermediate and high fire stoneware and porcelain
What temperature do you fire to?
C/04, C/6, C/10
What is your primary forming method?
Hand rolled slabs
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Stoneware inlaid with porcelain
Do you make any of your own tools?
No
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Architectural
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Its spaciousness
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My grandma’s rolling pin
What are your top three studio wishes?
I have no wishes. I have everything I need there.
What’s on your current reading list?
“The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund De Waal
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I always recycle my clay. I order in bulk.
How do you recharge creatively?
Go to museums, visit other artist’s at their studios, read books.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
See –How do you save money on materials and supplies.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
As an older potter—how to pick and choose what I want to do with a more limited energy level.
What did you first piece look like?
A bowling ball with a very small opening (like Toshiko Takaezu)
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
The energy of my 20 year old self. I am now in my 70’s and the reason should obvious.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Marc Chatterly, Robert Winokur. I find their work inspirational.
What is your studio playlist?
Classical music of all kinds.
Why do you create art?
In order to make real something that only exists in my fantasy.
What is your best studio tip?
If things are not going well (for any reason)—leave the studio and start again the next day
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
I’d like to be able to change clay’s permanence temporarily when encountering cracks, warping, etc.
