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My career with clay has been a relatively short one- thirteen years- but the act of creating and capturing volume has been a long one- thirty years- as an architectural designer. Through this profession I am able to answer my need to manipulate environments; working with clay addresses this need as well.
I hand build from slabs of porcelain clay. I create series of functional pieces: trays, ewers and vessels. The majority of these pieces are comprised of two slabs of clay joined at the edges leaving a “pocket” of volume inside. I visualize the shapes in terms of elevations and edges. The “pocket” of volume contrasts with the sharp edges of the profile. I also create a series of wall pieces. Based on the image of a house, they are experiments in texture or are embellished with found items and pieces of metal. While some communicate a message others are merely a combination of items that appeal to me.
Most all of these pieces employ the use of slip (liquid clay) in either black or white. Designs are created through different methods: sgrafitto, paper stencil, and texture. My pieces are twice fired using a clear matte glaze or left unglazed. All of the functional pieces are food, microwave and dishwasher safe.
My work is not driven by a lofty spiritual or intellectual philosophy. I have lines and shapes constantly tumbling around in my head. Expressing them, whether it is in building or garden design, or in pottery is something I need to do. It is just me living my life.
- Lynda Ladwig is a 1978 graduate of the College of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Since 1980, she has been Architectural Designer and owner of OPA Studio, Lafayette, CO.
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EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS
2010 Scottsdale Arts Festival, Scottsdale, Arizona, 'Best of Show'
2009 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, Colorado, 'Merit Award'
2008 Goldern Fine Arts Festival, Golden, Colorado, 'Best of Show'
2007 Art Student League of Denver Summer Art Market, Denver, Colorado, 'Mastery of Medium'
