Julie Mercer
The Bunkhouse Studios
Prosser, Washington
Instagram
Julie_mercer_ceramic_artist
Artist Statement
Julie Mercer, a native of the Horse Heaven Hills and the creative force behind The Bunkhouse Studios. Growing up amidst the open landscapes and sweeping views of eastern Washington, Julie developed a deep-rooted appreciation for the region’s diverse flora, fauna, and remarkable black basalt geological formations. These influences are evident in her pottery, where she draws on the earthy hues, rugged textures, and natural forms of the area to shape her work. She also lived in Hawaii and is drawn to the vibrant greens and blues of Maui and the brilliant pinks, lavenders and oranges of the sunsets. With over 10 years of experience in pottery, Julie founded The Bunkhouse Studios in Prosser to create a welcoming space for local artists to explore and develop their skills. She encourages fellow artists to consider the rich colors, textures, and natural beauty of eastern Washington (or wherever their home may be) in their creations, fostering a connection between art and place. Currently, Julie is developing a line of pottery glazes that capture the region’s palette, from sun-baked desert tones to the soft greens of native plants. Her goal is to bring a bit of the Horse Heaven Hills into each piece, creating art that celebrates the landscape she loves.
Studio Description
The Bunkhouse Studios is located in the farming community of Prosser, situated at the lower end of the Yakima Valley.
What type of clay do you use?
Primarily Georgie’s Dark Chocolate and Mazama Red, but love using Laguna Speckled Buff when I can get it.
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 5/6, occasionally cone 10 and cone 04
What is your primary forming method?
Wheel
What is your favorite surface treatment?
I love texture, so I do a lot of chattering and use sodium silicate.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Organic
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Seeing the brick wall on one side of the studio and knowing that my great-grandparents built it.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Good throwing wheels
What are your top three studio wishes?
More space for member shelves, AC, and more income to pay for a studio assistant
What’s on your current reading list?
Anything related to glaze making and pottery making.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Buy at wholesale the rate with Georgies in Portland and making our own studio glazes.
How do you recharge creatively?
Walks in nature, traveling, and visiting museums
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Keep it clean—we use microfiber rags to be sure we get all silica dust wiped off.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Carving out time to do my own work.
What did your first piece look like?
It was a handbuilt piece—loaf pan, a bit crude.
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Refined vases and lidded vessels
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Bernie Sayers, my original wheel teacher, makes it look so easy.
What is on your studio playlist?
The Makers Playbook, Bonnie Christine’ Professional Creative, and Red Clay Rambler podcasts
Why do you create art?
It just flows out of me most of my life in various ways
Who is your favorite artist and what do you admire about that artist?
Leonardo de Vinci
What is your best studio tip?
Set good studio policies and enforce them, keep it clean
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
No mess to clean up!
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