Describe the first piece you made in clay that you thought had potential/felt like your own style: A graduate school assignment led me to mold and cast every component of a sewing machine for press molding. I repurposed the pieces
of the internal mechanism to create a series of robots—a process that rekindled my childlike sense of play and creativity.
What are you inspired by? I am endlessly captivated
by human ingenuity and the objects humans create to facilitate life, leisure, and entertainment.
What is your process for finding/designing new forms? Whether I’m creating sculptural or functional forms, I like to jump right into rough 3D sketches or maquettes to understand how the form occupies space. From there I can
add, subtract, cut, and dart without the pressure of making a finished piece.
Who are your mentors? Dan Murphy stands out as someone who never fails to ask the right questions.
Favorite piece in your ceramic collection: I don’t know that I can pick a favorite, but I am constantly reaching for pots made by Karin Kraemer and Austin Riddle.
Best advice you can give to other potters? Making pots is a physical pursuit; stretch your back and knees every hour, drink water, and always have snacking chocolate on hand.
Describe your studio: My husband, Zac, and I currently both work out of one-half of our two-car garage in Helena. It’s a tight squeeze, but means we have minimal packing to do to move around (which we have done a lot in the
past few years).
Best thing about your studio? The accessibility of a home studio can’t be beat. While I’m waiting for slabs to set up or molds to release I can play fetch with our dog, Hugo, or go whip up a batch of muffins in the kitchen.
Wish list for your studio? More space so we can hook up an electric kiln and have additional shelves for storage.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: My practice currently revolves around my work schedule, so I rarely have full days in the studio. As a result, I often work in batches of the same form at a time in
order to be as efficient as possible.
To read more about Ayla’s process, turn to the article, The Butter Dish.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
You have read of of your complimentary articles for the month.
For unlimited access to Pottery Making Illustrated premium content, subscribe right now for as low as $3.60/month.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Subscribe to Pottery Making Illustrated
Firing temperature: Cone 10
Atmosphere: Reduction-cooled wood firing
Surface treatment: Iron-rich slips
Forming Method: Slab building and press molding
Favorite tools in your toolbox: Homemade scoring tool and a drawing compass
Website: aylamurray.com
Social Media: @ayla__murray
Residencies: www.banffcentre.ca, www.redlodgeclaycenter.com, medalta.org
Describe the first piece you made in clay that you thought had potential/felt like your own style: A graduate school assignment led me to mold and cast every component of a sewing machine for press molding. I repurposed the pieces of the internal mechanism to create a series of robots—a process that rekindled my childlike sense of play and creativity.
What are you inspired by? I am endlessly captivated by human ingenuity and the objects humans create to facilitate life, leisure, and entertainment.
What is your process for finding/designing new forms? Whether I’m creating sculptural or functional forms, I like to jump right into rough 3D sketches or maquettes to understand how the form occupies space. From there I can add, subtract, cut, and dart without the pressure of making a finished piece.
Who are your mentors? Dan Murphy stands out as someone who never fails to ask the right questions.
Favorite piece in your ceramic collection: I don’t know that I can pick a favorite, but I am constantly reaching for pots made by Karin Kraemer and Austin Riddle.
Best advice you can give to other potters? Making pots is a physical pursuit; stretch your back and knees every hour, drink water, and always have snacking chocolate on hand.
Describe your studio: My husband, Zac, and I currently both work out of one-half of our two-car garage in Helena. It’s a tight squeeze, but means we have minimal packing to do to move around (which we have done a lot in the past few years).
Best thing about your studio? The accessibility of a home studio can’t be beat. While I’m waiting for slabs to set up or molds to release I can play fetch with our dog, Hugo, or go whip up a batch of muffins in the kitchen.
Wish list for your studio? More space so we can hook up an electric kiln and have additional shelves for storage.
Describe a typical day or session in the studio: My practice currently revolves around my work schedule, so I rarely have full days in the studio. As a result, I often work in batches of the same form at a time in order to be as efficient as possible.
To read more about Ayla’s process, turn to the article, The Butter Dish.Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Click the cover image to return to the Table of Contents