ANNE STEACY

" My go to clay body is Raku for hand building my houses and structures. More recently I have been drawn to Frost porcelain, hand building flowers and wearable art. This in itself lets you know how conflicted I am in my ceramic practice."

Primary forming method?

"I love the wheel and to sit and zone out throwing cups and bowls. But my more creative side draws me to slab building rustic, rugged structures. If I am making something large on the wheel I will use both techniques — kind of a coil throw process."

Primary firing temperature?

"This is a good question. When available, I use wood fire, Raku and Cone 10 reduction. But I mostly have cone 6 and low fire 05 and Raku available."

Favorite surface treatment?

"I like the results of an alternative firing process, naked raku, wood fire, regular raku and pit firing. "

Beach House

Railroad Bridge

Window

Dixon, Soldate, Oribe

Monique

Wood Fired Vase

Large Flowers

How/Where do you market and sell your artwork?

"Being a member of ClayHouston gives me the opportunity of marketing at the BCCC and the Pop-up-Marketplace. For years I sold at a small boutique in Rice village. Unfortunately, they have closed but do have two pop-ups per year. And, of course, from exhibits and shows."

Family Challenge

"The forgiving nature of clay when throwing or hand building. It is a wonderful material to sculpt in. That combined with an interest in architecture and construction keeps my creative juices flowing. For me the beauty of my work is not only in the form but in the surfaces."

Did you come to ceramics from a different career? Tell us about your journey to a ceramics career.

"I come from the business world, and for years had my own environmental marketing company. In the early 90’s my husband and I moved to Washington DC and Pete, knowing I always was drawn to clay, gave me the birthday present that kept on giving: classes at a local studio, Hinckley Pottery. Moving back to Houston, I enrolled at Glassell and have been taking classes ever since. This is the best present I ever had."

Fish Shack 4

Naked Raku

Black Bust

"I am more of a dedicated student than an experienced maker. My advice to other artists is to follow what brings you the most pleasure, try everything and of course join your local clay organization."

Bowl

Serving Platter

White on White 2

What’s the best advice you’ve been given by a fellow maker, mentor, or teacher?

“Enjoy the process." 

Body, Mind and Soul

Mind