Describe the first piece you made in clay that felt like your own style: My first clay pieces were my palm incense burners, which I still make today. I realized clay was another canvas, but without the confines of a frame.
What are you inspired by? My work is deeply rooted in the magic of the natural world and timeless crafts. I find endless inspiration in folk art, the nostalgia of vintage textiles, and a whimsical garden. I like to toss all these treasures into an invisible box and shake them up. What emerges is a patchwork of everything I love, which I then translate onto my ceramics as a form of three-dimensional storytelling.
Who are your mentors? I’ve taken some classes at some local pottery studios, but when it comes to clay I’m mostly self taught!
Best piece of advice you ever received? When it comes to making, just start. Don’t wait. There is no perfect moment to strike, and often we learn the most from happy accidents along the way. Oftentimes the magic is in the imperfection.
Best advice you can give to other potters? To embrace the process and learn to enjoy each step. We often want to rush to the finish line and just have a product in our hands, but when we slow down and love to learn each step, it becomes a sort of meditation that I find keeps me present and soothes my soul. Your body gets into a rhythm, and before you know it, your art does as well.
Describe your studio: My studio is in a one-car garage attached to my house. I have some fun barn doors with storage, a separate little kiln room with shelves, a window that looks onto my backyard, and lots of decorations mixed in to make it feel more cozy.
Best thing about your studio? I like that it’s still a little rugged and industrial with concrete floors. It allows me to be less precious with it and freely make a mess!
Wish list for your studio? I would love a pugmill. As I get older, reclaiming, wedging, throwing, and slab rolling have given me some aches and pains. It would be nice to take some of the wear and tear off my body so I can save that energy for creativity.
Describe a typical day in the studio: Typically, I spend my days either sculpting or painting, depending on where I am in the process. I like to get all of the sculpting out of the way, and once my shelves are full, I can spend my days painting and getting lost in decorating. Ideally, I’m in my studio for 5–6 hours, but every day is different. There is often a candle burning and audiobooks playing in the background.
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Clay body: White stoneware and porcelain
Firing temperature: Cone 6
Atmosphere: Electric Skutt kiln
Surface treatment: Underglazing and mid-range majolica
Forming method: Handbuilding or combining wheel throwing with sculpture work
Favorite tool: Wooden sculpting tools—I love the one shaped like a butter knife.
Website: www.corinnelent.com
Social Media: Instagram @corinnelent
Describe the first piece you made in clay that felt like your own style: My first clay pieces were my palm incense burners, which I still make today. I realized clay was another canvas, but without the confines of a frame.
What are you inspired by? My work is deeply rooted in the magic of the natural world and timeless crafts. I find endless inspiration in folk art, the nostalgia of vintage textiles, and a whimsical garden. I like to toss all these treasures into an invisible box and shake them up. What emerges is a patchwork of everything I love, which I then translate onto my ceramics as a form of three-dimensional storytelling.
Who are your mentors? I’ve taken some classes at some local pottery studios, but when it comes to clay I’m mostly self taught!
Best piece of advice you ever received? When it comes to making, just start. Don’t wait. There is no perfect moment to strike, and often we learn the most from happy accidents along the way. Oftentimes the magic is in the imperfection.
Best advice you can give to other potters? To embrace the process and learn to enjoy each step. We often want to rush to the finish line and just have a product in our hands, but when we slow down and love to learn each step, it becomes a sort of meditation that I find keeps me present and soothes my soul. Your body gets into a rhythm, and before you know it, your art does as well.
Describe your studio: My studio is in a one-car garage attached to my house. I have some fun barn doors with storage, a separate little kiln room with shelves, a window that looks onto my backyard, and lots of decorations mixed in to make it feel more cozy.
Best thing about your studio? I like that it’s still a little rugged and industrial with concrete floors. It allows me to be less precious with it and freely make a mess!
Wish list for your studio? I would love a pugmill. As I get older, reclaiming, wedging, throwing, and slab rolling have given me some aches and pains. It would be nice to take some of the wear and tear off my body so I can save that energy for creativity.
Describe a typical day in the studio: Typically, I spend my days either sculpting or painting, depending on where I am in the process. I like to get all of the sculpting out of the way, and once my shelves are full, I can spend my days painting and getting lost in decorating. Ideally, I’m in my studio for 5–6 hours, but every day is different. There is often a candle burning and audiobooks playing in the background.
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