Featured Artist of the ‘Burg (FAB) #21
What drives an artist? Passion? Imagination? Creativity? Potter Wendy Durand displays such a love for her work that there is no doubting her passion. Imagination? She’s got that covered too. Clean lines and elegance mixed with varying shapes and textures give her work a touch of abstract with a refined overtone. As for her creativity- well, that’s why she’s the latest Featured Artist of the ‘Burg (FAB). Her creativity in her work and her support of the Clay Center of St. Petersburg piqued our interest while amazing us at the same time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Durand, whose work is showcased at Clay Center of St. Petersburg, met with us to discuss her passion for pottery and her exciting plans for bringing her excitement about clay to the ‘Burg.
Q: When and where did your career in pottery start? What brought you to St. Petersburg?
A: For many years I dreamed about working in clay. I remember feeling this way back in college the first time I saw a potter throwing on a wheel. Life, though, has a funny way of interfering and a full time career did not leave me the time to explore this dream. Then in 2007, a good friend gave me the perfect birthday gift: a 25 pound bag of clay… I quickly got serious about my work and am now happily immersed in clay.
Q: Why clay? What draws you to this medium specifically? What do you love about it?
A: Touching clay soothes my soul. It has endless possibilities for creating form and using color.
Q: On your website, you describe your art as possessing “unusual exaggerated shapes, clean lines and texture” – what drew you to this aesthetic?
A: It comes from who I am… My personal aesthetic is clean lines, simplicity with some elegance and refinement. I like variation, so shape and texture are important to me in life and in my work.
Q: You also mention that your technique uses “slabconstruction, and high firing in soda, salt or gas reduction kilns.” What makes this process different from other alternatives?
A: There are many techniques to make pottery… Wheel throwing, pinch pots, coil- building, and slab work are the most common. Even within these, there are variations. Likewise, there are many different firing methods… raku, wood, atmospheric firings (such as salt and soda), gas, and electric all used in different ways by different people. Each building method and firing method creates a different look and feel.
Q: What challenges have you faced, as an artist?
A: Lately my biggest challenge has been needing more space. As a result, I have made the difficult decision to leave my studio at St. Pete Clay and take a larger studio at a brand new center which opened March 1, The Clay Center of St. Petersburg, at 400 23rd Street South, in the Warehouse Arts District.
Q: What are your thoughts on the art scene in St. Petersburg?
A: The art scene in St. Petersburg is fabulous and, with the newly designated and quickly growing Warehouse Arts District, people have a chance to watch artists at work and support them by purchasing their art.
Q: Do you have any future works planned that we should keep an eye open for?
A: There’s always new work and many ideas and directions to head in. I try to post new work on Facebook and on my website… so keep looking! I will be the featured artist of the month in April at K Studio Design so look for the reception on April 25, and artist talk and possibly some new work there.
See some of Durand’s work below, by taking a trip to her new studio at 400 23rd Street S and by visiting her Facebook page here.
If you like this story, "Like" us on Facebook to stay updated.
ADVERTISEMENT
