Margaret Abell
Rochester, New York

Studio: Little Sparrow Ceramics

Email: margaretabell1@gmail.com

Artist Statement: My recent ceramic work is an attempt to connect my own modern experience to deeper awareness and consciousness within. It is often an exploration of pattern, texture, surface, and form.


Studio Description: I am lucky to be the owner of a bright, 1100 sq. ft. studio, which is well-supplied with 6 electric wheels, large work tables, private restroom, kitchen area, photography setup, and gallery. It's located in an former paper factory in a great neighborhood on the north side of Rochester, New York.


What type of clay do you use?
Laguna #75 and #60

What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 6

What is your primary forming method?
Slab building

What is your favorite surface treatment?
Sgraffito

Do you make any of your own tools?
Lino-blocks for surface texture

What one word would you use to describe your work?

Graphic

What is your favorite thing about your studio?
The windows

What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
The kiln

What are your top three studio wishes?
A pug mill and a test kiln

What’s on your current reading list?
Pottery Making Illustrated

How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Buy wholesale

How do you recharge creatively?
Travel

Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Clean up after you're doing working

What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Manage finances of the studio

What did your first piece look like?
Coil-built vase

What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Strong arms

What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Surface treatment

Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Wayne Higby

What is on your studio playlist?
Radiohead, Beck, Amy Winehouse

Why do you create art?
For joy

Who is your favorite artist and what do you admire about that artist?
Joni Mitchell because she followed her own path

What is your best studio tip?
Get organized!

If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Shrinkage

 

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