Kay Franz
Clay & Green Tea
Richmond, Virginia
Website
www.clayandgreentea.com
Artist Statement
My work has been greatly influenced by clay artists, past and present. I am deeply grateful to all influences that have provided so much inspiration. What began as an exploration of the vessel has over the years evolved into more sculptural forms.
Studio Description
I have a lovely basement studio with north facing windows overlooking my lovely backyard.
What type of clay do you use?
Stoneware and low-fire red clay
What temperature do you fire to?
cone 06–05
What is your primary forming method?
Handbuilding with slabs, coils, pinch
What is your favorite surface treatment?
I love textural surfaces.
Do you make any of your own tools?
Some ,but I use a combination of purchased tools and found objects. Since I work a lot with carved and textured surfaces, needle tools and various carving tools stay on the table.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Subtle
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Having windows in my work space
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My carving tools
What are your top three studio wishes?
You can never have enough art or clay toys, so I always have my eyes open for what is new.
What’s on your current reading list?
Poetry by David Whyte.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I recycle as much as possible.
How do you recharge creatively?
Yoga, dog walks, journaling, and bookbinding.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
As a handbuilder, I don't have to deal with the volume of scraps and slurrry that wheel work generates. I keep a small scrap bucket and recycle often.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
I do not want to stagnate, so I am always exploring with forms and finishes.
What did your first piece look like?
A coil-built vessel, high-fired reduction stoneware. I still have pieces from my college work, thanks to my mom holding onto so much of my first works.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Too many to name. I admire so many past and present, known and unknown.
What is your studio playlist?
I tend to listen to a local alternative music station, WNRN, or news and music on NPR.
Why do you create art?
I have to and have felt that way from a young age. It's a way of sharing and expressing my inner self.
What is your best studio tip?
Clean as you go and keep your work area as open as possible. Crowded space, crowds your work.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
I love clay just as it is.
