In the mid seventies, while in college at Western Carolina University, I took my first pottery class. I continued with clay classes and enjoyed it so much that I decide to concentrate in pottery with a second concentration in jewelry. I graduated with a BFA degree.

     I bought a wheel and kiln of my own and continued to make pots. In April of 2004, I purchased a gas kiln. I am once again firing reduction cone 10 firings. I have changed my glazes. My forms are mostly thrown but I also make hand built pieces. After I make a pot on the wheel, I often alter the form to create a more interesting piece. Then after it dries to almost leather hard, I use different tools, some of which I made, to carve into the clay and add textures to the outside of the pot. My new work is very different from the past, and is like a breath of fresh air. Textures have always been of interest to me, which may partially be related to my past work as a weaver and basket maker. My current approach to making pottery is to emphasize handles and feet on the pots and how they relate to the form. The use of handles and feet create a totally different mood for the piece.

     I feel it is most important for an artist to enjoy the work they spend so many hours planning and creating. The pleasure of creating is pronounced in the work of art.

 

Sylvia Coppola