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Shawna Pickinpaugh, SCP Designs,
Landers, WY
Email: s.pick@wyoming.com
Website: http://www.alchemyartistscoop.com/shawna-pickinpaugh
Artist Statement:
Art is an integral part of my life; it continually pulls and stretches me in new and exciting directions. No matter what is going on in my life I constantly feel the need to make art, teach art, see art, and learn more about art.
Studio Description:
I have a home studio with a kiln shed out back. I teach art full time and spend early mornings and weekends producing work in my studio. I consider myself a functional potter but I started this journey as a painter and carve and paint on my pots.
What type of clay do you use?
Red stoneware
What temperature do you fire to?
2232
What is your primary forming method?
Wheel
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Carving with inlay and stain painted on bisqueware
Do you make any of your own tools?
I have made a number of brushes, carving tools and ribs. I purchase new tools often but tend to gravitate back to my tried and true favorites.
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
That it is my space, the place where I can do what I love.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My wheel
What are your top three studio wishes?
I wish I could afford to work full time as an artist.
I wish my studio was about 10 feel longer.
I wish I had a mentor.
What’s on your current reading list?
Everything I have time to read in ICAN
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Recycle
How do you recharge creatively?
Take a break, spend time painting or sketching and take workshops.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Over the past 10 years I have set up my own home studio. I am a self taught potter and have never take college classes.
What did you first piece look like?
Heavy, untrimmed and wonky!
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Passion….I have to make art or I am not complete. I am a good problem solver and consider my clay surface as a canvas.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
I don’t really have one I just learn all I can from others.
What is your studio playlist?
Everything- Classic rock, country, instrumental, pop, classical
Why do you create art?
I am not complete if I am not creating. It is who I am. I love to sell art and I feel I have a good connection with my market.
What is your best studio tip?
Work, work, work, but only if it doesn’t feel like work.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
One firing!!
