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Jo Reid,
Formed Earth Studio,
Seattle, Washington
Website: https://www.formedearthstudio.com/
Email: FORMEDEARTHSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM
Artist Statement:
I have been playing with clay since the early 70s. In 2017 I retired from tech work and opened Formed Earth Studio. My focus is to create beautiful, distinctive pieces that will bring joy into your life.
Studio Description:
Mix of functional and decorative pieces. Raku pieces show a strong Asian influence in shape and surface treatment.
What type of clay do you use?
Raku and Mid-range porcelain.
What temperature do you fire to?
Raku (1850F) and Cone 5-6.
What is your primary forming method?
Wheel.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Crackle raku over colored t-sig with free hand drawings.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Distinctive.
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
It’s steps from my house and I can enjoy my garden all year long.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Kiln.
What are your top three studio wishes?
- New wheel with a bigger motor so I can center larger pieces of clay.
- Raku kiln so I can fire on my own schedule.
- More space.
What’s on your current reading list?
Clay, Science, Food and Garden Mags. Dragon Riders of Pern Series by Anne McCaffery.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Exchange work for old clay.
How do you recharge creatively?
Gardening and Nature Hikes.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
My glaze inventory is on a spreadsheet with firing notes and inventory levels which cross references with my peg board of glaze samples.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Developing a recognizable style that is not easily emulated. Learning how to make t-sig and use Mason stains. Improving my drawings.
What did you first piece look like?
1971 – It was a tea bowl, it would be kind to say that it fully embraced wabi-sabi.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Large, well balanced pots every time I throw.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
None current. Would love to connect with someone.
What is your studio playlist?
All kinds of music. Depends on the work I’m doing at the time. Ex. classical for throwing porcelain.
Why do you create art?
Every where I look I see amazing patterns, color and light and it brings me joy. I want to share my joy with the world.
What is your best studio tip?
Make goals and a long term business plan.
Make a list of pieces you need or want to make.
Make task lists so deadlines don’t get missed.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
That silica dust wouldn’t cause silicosis.
