Brian Leu
Gig Harbor, Washington
Email
thundershark@rocketmail.com
Website
www.instagram.com/bleujclay/
Instagram
www.instagram.com/bleujclay/
Facebook
www.facebook.com/BLeuJClay
Artist Statement
Let's see where this clay takes me.
Studio Description
Renting space from another potter.
What type of clay do you use?
Usually cone 10 porcelain or porcelaneous stoneware.
What temperature do you fire to?
Usually cone 10.
What is your primary forming method?
Wheel throwing
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Shell impressions
Do you make any of your own tools?
Strips of brass for trimming, cut-off wire (fishing line), and some ribs
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Destiny
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
I can do my own thing.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Throwing wheel
What are your top three studio wishes?
Nice people, a gas kiln, the ability to fire to cone 10
What’s on your current reading list?
Sapiens by Yuval Harari, Nurture Shock by Ashley Merryman and Po Bronson, My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Being a member of clay associations, which allows discounts to other pottery related things.
How do you recharge creatively?
Network and watch videos
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Cleaning before leaving makes coming in the next day easier.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Get back to the same level, size, and productivity as college days.
What did your first piece look like?
I think, a bowl with majolica glaze and cobalt blue spots added with a brush.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
I wish my skills and strength from college days came back. I've been mostly inactive until now.
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Specialty firing, and both tighter and looser throwing.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Margaret Realica, my first teacher, great teacher, good potter, exceptional pottery designs, nice person.
What is on your studio playlist?
1960s
Why do you create art?
Enjoyment
Who is your favorite artist and what do you admire about that artist?
Margaret Realica because she has beautiful pottery, a great teacher, and a nice person.
What is your best studio tip?
Use storage containers with lids to control ware drying.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
I've been able to work most properties of clay to my advantage. But if I could change anything, it would be toxicity of some materials and make everything non-toxic. LOL.
