Laura Seymour
Laura Seymour Studio
Brooklyn, New York
laura_seymour_studio
Artist Statement
My current body of work is rooted in classical forms and then altered with layers of flowers to achieve volume that ultimately disguises the original silhouette. The vessel becomes a point of departure to create something more sculptural with layered interpretations of flora. I liken my process to the horticultural process of grafting in which a union is formed between the vessel and the flower with each contributing to the other by forming something new while continuing to grow together. I intend to create surface interest that shifts a functional form to something more sculptural. Buds are nestled into stems. Stems are grafted to the vessel. The vessel grounds the clusters. The glazes play with light to hint at a season or time of day where the light and reflections heighten the brilliance of colors found in nature. There are multiple interpretations from various angles, and each piece is meant to be explored from all sides.
Studio Description
Messy. Controlled chaos. Wheel, slab roller, extruders, kiln. Lots of Shelves. Not enough tabletop space.
What type of clay do you use?
Mid-fire stoneware
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 5
What is your primary forming method?
By any means necessary.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
High relief
What one word would you use to describe your work?
High relief
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Skylight. It is my only source of natural light.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
The proximity. It is below our apartment, so I can tend to projects at any time.
What are your top three studio wishes?
More time, bigger kiln. Bigger pieces, smaller kiln.
What’s on your current reading list?
Day Book by Anne Truitt. Stay True by Hua Hsu. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Recycle clay
How do you recharge creatively?
Travel, gallery and museum visits, hiking, gardens, nature
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Process or production calendar
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Patience.
What did your first piece look like?
A coiled ashtray when I was in elementary school. My mom was a smoker. Brown Clay. Purple and blue glaze. I wish I still had it.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
Time travel
What area of skill do you most look to other artists to learn?
Surface treatment
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Everyone out there who posts amazing how-tos
What is on your studio playlist?
Lots of podcasts. The Great Women Artists is a favorite.
Why do you create art?
It just happens.
Who is your favorite artist and what do you admire about that artist?
Like I tell my boys, I don't play favorites.
What is your best studio tip?
Be flexible.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Shrinkage.
