Rita Ruacho Rodriguez
Jordan, Minnesota
Email
rita.ruachorodriguez@yahoo.com
Website
www.RRRCeramics.com
Instagram
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Facebook
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Artist Statement
I’ve always been drawn to art. The ceramics unit was my favorite in elementary school. When I started college, I tried a wheel throwing ceramics class and loved it so I took a handbuilding ceramics class, and now I have my own pottery wheel and studio at home! I had been in the restaurant industry for five years, but the stress of it was bleeding into my personal life, and I was sick of always feeling fed up and anxious. I am now trying to market myself and develop my skills, so one day I can have my own business that gives me the workspace and community that I need and appreciate. I just want to be happy and help others find peace.
Studio Description
I was working at a very clean and organized studio at a community college for the past two semesters. They had lots of wheels, kilns, and tools. I would bring my work back-and-forth from school and home as needed to maximize my time and resources. I now have my own studio on my back patio. It’s covered from the rain and it’s a nice open space. I have a few tables for wedging and drying work. I also have lots of covered buckets and containers that keep different clays separate and safe. I have a cabinet that I keep my tools and underglazes organized in and I make sure to wipe everything down and cover it all up after just to be safe. In our back room, I keep my photo box, camera stuff, extra art supplies, and I will use it as my studio in the winter. I want to get a kiln and put it in my shed so I don’t have to transport my work and pay to use a kiln.
What type of clay do you use?
I am trying out everything I can, but I’ve mostly used stoneware, some earthenware, and right now I’m using a porcelain stoneware mix, and I’m processing my own brownish gray clay I collected from a ravine behind my house.
What temperature do you fire to?
Depends on the piece.
What is your primary forming method?
Depends on the piece.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
I really like slip trailing. I used to do henna and it’s the same technique. It makes it easy to fill up lots of space with designs.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Cool
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Quiet
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Needle tool
What are your top three studio wishes?
I wish for my studio to be… Clean and safe, fun and welcoming, and a place of growth and learning.
What’s on your current reading list?
I’m rereading Childhoods End by Arthur C. Clark. I’m reading How to Win Friends and Gain Influence by Dale Carnegie.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Buy from thrift stores, garage sales, and Facebook.
How do you recharge creatively?
I try to invoke excitement or passion in myself to get my creativity flowing.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Stay organized
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Many
What did your first piece look like?
A little green clay pouch made from putting a ball of clay into a plastic bag, which I stepped on to flatten, folded over, and later glazed!
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Superspeed, to get lots of quality work done.
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
I’m looking at many artists to learn as much as I can right now.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
My ceramics professor at community college. He’s very honest and realistic, which I find respectable.
What is on your studio playlist?
I love Bob Marley, Sublime, Frank Sinatra, Los Angeles Azules, Tupac, Bettye Swann, George Strait, and everything in between!
Why do you create art?
Creating art motivates me.
Who is your favorite artist and what do you admire about that artist?
My grandpa is my favorite artist. He is 97, but he was a great oil painter. I love how he brought art into every part of his life.
What is your best studio tip?
Clean up!
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
The weight, so it would be easier to build up and out farther.
