Diane Gee
Diane Gee Studio (Grateful Heart)
Lafayette, Indiana
Website
www.allclay.com
Artist Statement
I consider myself an endlessly curious, creative problem solver. Each year, I sit down and consider the themes and topics that have drawn my attention over the past year, and select up to three themes and one technique
to focus on in the coming year.
Studio Description
I have a beautifully equipped, 20' x 32' studio, built after I retired from my first career as an engineer/consultant. My primary space is dedicated to porcelain; my kiln room includes a space for non-porcelain or multi-material
experiments.
| What type of clay do you use? | |
| Porcelain (Tom Turner's) | |
| |
| Primarily 9–10 | |
What is your primary forming method? | |
| Thrown and altered | |
What is your favorite surface treatment? | |
| Carving and slip work | |
Do you make any of your own tools? | |
| I make tools for 2 reasons: 1. It provides a unique and personal design element that is integral to my work, such as stamps, etc. 2. I can't find a (sturdy) tool that I need for a particular technique. | |
What one word would you use to describe your work? | |
| Exploratory | |
What is your favorite thing about your studio? | |
| It is a sanctuary where I have everything needed to pursue any idea. | |
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without? | |
| Plastic (ware bags and sheet) | |
What are your top three studio wishes? | |
| Always ... SPACE! 1. for my reference library 2. for Photography 3. for Gallery/Display | |
What’s on your current reading list? | |
| Research on biblical angels | |
How do you save money on materials and supplies? | |
| Recycle what I can, repurpose items I come across, watch sales. | |
How do you recharge creatively? | |
| I spend time with my grandchildren, travel, explore ideas that have caught my attention, and meet regularly with other potters to brainstorm. | |
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency? | |
| It's all about flow, organizing so I have what I need at hand at any stage of the creative process, and being able to find it. Love my label maker! | |
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome? | |
| Not to "think outside the box," but to forget there IS a box. Challenge everything, try anything in pursuit of making a concept into a reality. | |
What did your first piece look like? | |
| I still use it. It's a slab-built, elliptical, 2-edge (pinched) container with circular, spiral patterns, carved, and has coils embedded in the walls. | |
What ceramic superpower would you have and why? | |
| Thickness Sensor! My goal in much of my work is to work in the 1–2 mm range, and that is always challenging, going by touch and experience. | |
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why? | |
| Gail Johnston, first clay teacher and dear friend | |
What is your studio playlist? | |
| Paul Simon, The Beatles, Queen, Musicals, hits from 60's, 70's | |
Why do you create art? | |
| I create art to release my never-ending curiosity and share the results with others. After 14 years, I still go to sleep and wake-up with new ideas. | |
What is your best studio tip? | |
| Stay focused and "in-cycle." Note new ideas, but don't chase them as interruptions. Work from wedging to finished project; then begin a new cycle. | |
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be? | |
| Weight. It's why I work so thin. I want to capture a light, alive, floating sense in my work. | |
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