Natchez Clay has recently acquired two artists-in-residence, Ashley Goodwyn and myself, Kirsten Heteji.

We have both recently graduated from college with a bachelor’s of fine arts from Alfred University. The opportunity to be an artist-in-residence gives us, as young artists beginning their careers, time and space to develop and explore their work within the community. We applied to have our own studio space in trade for helping around the studio and learning how to run the business.

“We need the help of an artist-in-residence to keep us updated on -techniques in the field and have their help by being readily available to the studio members and students,”said Patricia Gaudé, a studio member of Natchez Clay. “We are so blessed to have them here to help improve the studio in addition to teaching classes.”

After studying ceramics in Alfred, my focus here while in Natchez is to develop my sculptural ceramic work. Upon leaving Alfred, I investigated alternative means of surface treatment on my sculptural work using things such as joint compound, gorilla glue and acrylic paints. Recently, I have been caught up in creating hand pinched functional wares and using decals as surface decoration. My goal is to combine the organic abstract forms of my sculptures and apply decals to their smooth surfaces, combining the two ideas into a bigger body of work. I have applied my knowledge of glazes by organizing and updating the palette of colors used in the studio at Natchez Clay.

Ashley Goodwyn studied glass blowing, metal working, wood working and ceramics. After leaving Alfred, she found herself studying stone carving in Vermont, then spent some time in Connecticut at a ceramic studio.

Finally finding herself in Natchez, Goodwyn plans on continuing her work in all of the mediums, and creating pieces based off of the human experience.

“My work has become more personal ever since I left Alfred, but even more so since coming to Natchez,” Goodwyn said. “I think it might be because of the environment of the South and not having the pressure of the academic art world.”  Ashley looks forward to seeing how Natchez continues to change her work.

Our work is currently being exhibited in Arts Natchez on Main Street. Goodwyn’s work is on display in a storefront gallery space right next door to Arts Natchez.

“Ashley and Kirsten have brought so much excitement back to our studio,” said Donna Jones, studio owner. “These talented young women are hard workers and have a tremendous amount of energy and dedication to both our studio and their own work.”

Goodwyn and I have spent many hours reorganizing the studio, the kiln yard and glazing area. What we bring to the community by being a part of Natchez Clay are projects such as donating some of our work to the Empty Bowls event, Pots for Pets fundraiser for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society and providing a creative outlet for kids in the summer. We also participate in the Natchez Downtown Second Saturday events by having open studio, showing off the members’ work and having a one-day pottery or ceramics project.

Currently, we are offering our fall class schedule starting the week of Sept. 8. Wheel throwing basics will be on Thursday nights, intermediate wheel throwing will be Monday nights and a hand building theory will be Tuesday nights. All class times are from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Starting Nov. 4, the Christmas Extravaganza will begin where we will focus on projects will make great gifts for the holidays. Workshops with master ceramicists will also be starting early next year.

“I equate wheel throwing to gardening. It comes from the earth and you are growing something in your hands, as well as growing spiritually within yourself,” Gaudé said. “It’s the texture and coolness of the clay on your hands along with the way the clay responds to your touch that provides a relaxing experience. It’s a way to focus and shut out the world and its daily grind. You get a mental connection to the work, and it feels like a part of you. It’s something of yourself you give away and will leave behind, even after you’re gone.”

For more information, please visit natchezclay.com, kirstenheteji.weebly.com or ashleygoodwyn.com.

 

Kirsten Heteji is an artist-in-residence and studio manager at Natchez Clay.