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Wali Wilson,
Pretties for You
Mesa, Arizona

Artist Statement: Retiered After teaching, computer ilustration and working in the computer game feild design, I needed a new outlet.that became the 3 dimension of playing with clay. I Am brand new to the world of clay. I Am digging all the resources provided by ICAN.

Studio Description I have a small room I converted to a studio.

What type of clay do you use? Everything and anything to get my hands dirty.

What temperature do you fire to? Cone 10. But I would like to try low fire and raku.

What is your primary forming method? Hands an dental tools

What is your favorite surface treatment? For my comical sculpture. I like smooth with wrinkles. For abstract I enjoy a rough treatment.

Do you make any of your own tools? Not yet

What one word would you use to describe your work? Grotesque

What is your favorite thing about your studio? That I have space I can get messy. The 8 foot window is really nice too.

What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without? A large enough work table.

What are your top three studio wishes? To build an extension to the house. Have all equipment in one space. To have an extruder and a slab roller.

What’s on your current reading list? ICAN archives. Mold Making and slip casting. A beginners guide kiln fired glass.

How do you save money on materials and supplies? Making my own large turntable.

How do you recharge creatively? Reading. Sketching.

Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency? Get final sheet floors if you have an upstairs studio. Organise tools in old dish washer utensil baskets. Keep studio clean and label clay bodies.

What challenges have you given yourself to overcome? Not to get tied down to one method.

What did you first piece look like? Really ugly and technically messy.

What ceramic superpower would you have and why? Fast, confidence. Well since I am new clay sculpture, it would be great to just trust in the process.

Who is your ceramic art mentor and why? Tip To land. She encouraged me for years to translate my paintings to 3D.

What is your studio playlist? I have no idea what that means. Unless it means blasting out some Alice Cooper.

Why do you create art? It was the only activity I was able to do. Art has also been my psychologist.

What is your best studio tip? Use it.

If you could change one property of clay, what would it be? It doesn't dry until I snap my fingers.