I had a chance to talk with cermaist Traudi Thornton about her process as she creates all new work for an art opening on June 3rd. The art show is titled, “Full Circle: New Art by Elizabeth Darrow, Traudi Thornton, and Susan Francy.” We are setting up the show this Sunday and Monday. And, I am delighted and grateful to have Traudi’s ceramics, Elizabeth’s oil and collage on canvas, and Susan’s fine-art prints together in Art in Bloom Gallery.
Traudi shared, “Working with clay validates my existence. During the plastic state, the relationship is that of master and a much beloved pet. I tell the clay to stay and push it, but often I have to listen. We have a rhythm.
Clay needs heat to be transferred to a hard material. After the first fire everything turns from a state of grey to pink, and a slight estrangement takes place because they now look different than what they did before.
Glazes also look pink or white or grey before they are fired. I imagine now how the optics will look in their final state, and after making choices the second fire takes over. Total surrender is demanded by heat and flame. After the firing is completed, the cooling period leaves my mood fluctuating between doubt and hope. And, then only after removing the pieces from the kiln, can I say they belong to me. They passed on into my consciousness.”