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Dreaming in straight lines; seeing with a potter's eye Sometimes elaborate paths lead to simple forms. All roads may lead to Asheville, but few young artists have traveled as far as Courtney Murphy to get here. The Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts' resident brings a world of culture to her class "Beginning Handbuilding" held every Monday from Jan. 7 to March 3 Murphy has studied on both coasts and even done an intensive residency at Guldagergaard International Center for the Ceramic Arts in Skaelskor, Denmark. Not bad for an artist who hadn't even touched clay until she was 18 years old. "It didn't call to me at Boston University," (where she graduated cum laude) she says, "but when I moved to New York I studied under a production potter and really became fascinated by pottery." She was so interested, in fact, that she decided to attend the Oregon College of Art and Craft, where she earned her MFA. It was here she studied under Jim Koudelka and learned his technique of using wax on greenware to draw on the clay. "That class got me started in the direction that I've been going ever since," she says. "One thing I really enjoy about her work is its fresh, modern appeal. The clean lines are reminiscent of Danish modernism approached with a warm inviting touch. Her pieces are well executed and show a strong respect for craftsmanship," says Jennifer Hoolihan, potter-technician at Highwater Clays. The other major influence on her work is Skaelskor, Denmark, where she completed an intensive three-month residency program. Part of an international group of artists, Murphy lived in a big house with between six and 25 student. The energy of the artist colony was infectious, but the quiet solitude of the Danish countryside was equally important to Murphy, and the Danish culture resonated with her. "The Danish Modern minimalist thing definitely influenced me … I've always been drawn to this style, but living in the country had a profound effect on me." Murphy attended a Penland School of Crafts workshop when she returned to the States and was immediately drawn to Asheville's vibrant River Arts District. Like her Denmark experience, she finds herself surrounded by artists of all types. "I like playing off of different energies," she says, adding that she has a voracious appetite for art books and magazines. "It's great having a community to discuss technical problems or get feedback if you get stuck on anything." Beginning Handbuilding will be her first class, but she has picked up a lot from her years in classes and workshops from around the globe. "Courtney's work is very unique, even for a community like Western North Carolina. I think she will be a great teacher, able to inspire creativity in her students and provide a solid foundation for their work in clay," Hoolihan says. Like her work - which has been praised as simple and elegant - teaching is an artform Murphy is eager to master. "It takes a long time to make something look simple… The most important thing to teach a beginner is to be aware of what you can do at different stages. You need to come in tune with the clay and your environment," she says.
For information about "Beginning Handbuilding" or any of the Winter Classes, visit Odyssey at www.highwaterclays. com |
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