About Page

Artist Statement

I dabbled in pottery in the early 70s but I chose to focus on family and a career in social work. I didn't touch clay for almost 20 years.

A gift of a potters wheel from Santa, combined with news from my son that two potters had come to visit his school and were teaching class, led me to consider working with clay again. Two years later I set up my own studio, left my job and began what has been a energizing journey of self discovery.

I have been fortunate to be able to take a number of workshops both at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, and Haystack Mtn School of crafts in Maine. The noted and experienced potters who teach these classes have been both encouraging and generous with their skill/ knowledge, and have shared their personal and emotional insights into the art of creating with clay. Their voices often roam around in my head as I work, in an effort to remember their words of advice and skill.

I have been working in porcelain for most of the last 10 years. This past spring I spent some time experimenting with new clays and glazes.

It is like starting all over again. Each type of clay is so different. The way it feels, how it dries, how soon you can fire it...many challenges.

For now I have returned to porcelain.

What I learned is that I enjoy form, simple , straight forward, clean. Seeing pots on my shelf waiting to be bisqued, I hate to glaze them. They look so nice all clean and white.

I remain interested in and influenced by Asian art and pottery...clean lines, simple decoration or brush strokes. But for the near future I will concentrate on just the form.

Finding ones own voice in any medium is always a challenge. Early on I focused on technique and skills needed to just complete a piece. With some feeling of competency in that area, I am now struggling with doing MY work, whatever that means exactly.

I do know that all aspects of a piece: the rim or lip, the foot, the portion of the piece, the shape of the handle, must come together in such a way that the piece sings with form and expression. What a job! What fun!

Linda Bowman

August, 2009