CLARA HOAG

"I use Grande – I like the grit and strength of the clay – but I’m not picky: I’ll use any mid- or high- temperature clay body".

Primary forming method?

“Handbuilding: Coil-building and Slab-building”.

Primary firing temperature?

"^04-^6. For photography, the clay remains unfired".

Favorite surface treatment?

"For fired work, I like to use either lots of glaze or just an oxide wash. For photographs, I carve windows and designs, and I use underglaze for color".

Favorite Tools?

"Wooden chopsticks, paring knife, dental (spoon) tool, wooden sculpting tools, metal rib, and my hands".           

Describe your studio environment.

"Messy! I live and work in my studio, so it’s constantly a battle between letting my studio be a studio and keeping my living space clean".

How/Where do you market & sell your artwork?

"I have a gallery in Illinois (Cinema Gallery) that has represented me since 2009. I have also met many collectors and art enthusiasts through auctions and group shows".

"Art history, especially religious/spiritual/culturally profound work. African art and Medieval art are especially moving for me.

The desire to connect with others.

The desire to find deeper truths about humanity.

Clay has a long, rich history in American and world folklore – from creation myths about people made of clay, to folk songs where clay represents change, wavering feelings, or unsure footing. That history informs some of my reason for working with clay.

Clay is this wonderful, visceral material – it really wants to be skin, hence the figure sculpting. It’s just too easy".

"I was in a biology/pre-medicine program as an undergraduate student. I found my way into the art department (via art history) and ended up in a ceramics class. I graduated with two major degrees in Ceramics and Art History".

"I’m a full-time teacher at Houston Community College: I teach ceramics, among other things, every semester. I have also taught ceramics at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Art League Houston, Glassell School of Art, and the University of Houston".

(From Ron Kovatch, April 2015) "Cut loose.  Let your work show the free spirit that defines you.  Your work looks a bit careful now.  Keep making it if it gets you shows or money... but in the corner of your studio, do the art making equivalent of doing heroin while smoking crack, while fucking 2 guys and 2 women and telling Obama how to fix shit.  Mix media, use paint where ceramic glazes are limited.  Slash and burn.  Making art is warfare.  Take no prisoners".