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Marina Smelik,
Palo Alto, CA
Website: https://marinasmelik.com/Email: marina_sm2001@yahoo.com
Artist Statement: The inspiration for my works always comes from observation of the world around us. My works are handmade ceramics, mostly made from colored stoneware clay. I find the natural color of clay very attractive and try to preserve it in my creations.
Studio Description: I work in the small home studio. I have to keep it well-organized with all tools, glazes, and underglazes having their specific place. I'm relying on SKUTT electric kiln to fire my works flawlessly every time.
What type of clay do you use? Stoneware. My favorites are B3 Brown, Cinnamon, Sandstone Brown, and Smooth Sculpture by Laguna
What temperature do you fire to? 1915F and 2118F
What is your primary forming method? Handbuilt. Mostly coiling and soft slab.
What is your favorite surface treatment? Texturing
Do you make any of your own tools? No, but occasionally I use dental tools.
What one word would you use to describe your work? Bright
What is your favorite thing about your studio? Well-organized and clean
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without? Kiln
What are your top three studio wishes? Slab roller table Dust air filter All colors of Amaco underglazes
What’s on your current reading list? Surface Design for Ceramics by Maureen Mills and Image Transfer on Clay by Paul Andrew Wandless
How do you save money on materials and supplies? Planning for it monthly
How do you recharge creatively? Immerse in nature, travel the world, and visit museums and galleries.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency? Keep records of every project (clay type, glaze, underglazes, cone fired at, notes). Keep everything in their places
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome? Learn new techniques and use them in my works.
What did you first piece look like? Small thrown cup with very dark glaze.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why? Super patience. I love to do everything very fast but clay requires to be methodical.
What is your studio playlist? Classical music (Tchaikovsky, Glinka, others)
Why do you create art? I can't live without it.
What is your best studio tip? Return tools and glazes to their places.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be? Make it warm.
