Lisa Berry
Edmonds, Washington

Email: typo1121@gmail.com

Instagram: @typoceramics

Artist Statement:

My work is inspired by the colors and textures in nature and also by patterns, prints and images of abstract shapes, typography and scientific illustration. I enjoy the process of handbuilding and make my pieces by pinching, coiling, and scraping. I like the contrast of bright colors on dark clay. My surface decoration combines rustic textures created with layers of colored slip and illustrations and patterns applied by photolithography.

Studio Description:

A workspace in my own home, with a kiln in the garage

What type of clay do you use?

Mid-range stoneware. I like dark brown/black clays - Plum Black and Klamath Brown are favorites

What temperature do you fire to?

Either 03 or 5, depending on the piece

What is your primary forming method?
Handbuilding with coils or slabs, occasionally wheel-thrown

What is your favorite surface treatment?
Monoprinting

Do you make any of your own tools?
I have made several tools with silicone putty that I use for shaping and smoothing the insides of my pots.

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

What is your favorite thing about your studio?
That it's in my home and I can work at 3AM if I want to.

What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Storage and shelving, to stay organized and keep chaos to a minimum

What are your top three studio wishes?
More light, more space, a better ventilation system

What’s on your current reading list?
Goodbye Vitamin: A Novel by Rachel Khong

How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I reuse whenever I can and try not to lose my tools

How do you recharge creatively?
Exercise. I get my best ideas then.

Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
I try really hard to pick up after myself as I go.

What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Don't be afraid to fail.

What did your first piece look like?
It was a lumpy round thing that I made by smearing clay over a balloon, and painted purple and blue.

What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
To have all my pieces match exactly with what I see in my head.

What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Surface decoration. I'm always looking for new techniques to try.

Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
I don't really have one, although I have to credit my high school art teacher for inspiring me to start making ceramics.

What is on your studio playlist?
KEXP, or just whatever is going through my head.

Why do you create art?
I don't know why, I just always have.

If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Clay is what it is, you can only change the way you work with it.
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