Studio Talk with Brooke T Winfrey of btw ceramics
Here at Of Object Home we are obsessed with ceramics. Fascinated not only by their aesthetics and craftsmanship but also by their utilitarian function. They are objects of beauty which can be used and enjoyed everyday.
In a recent Q+A I spoke with ceramic maker Brooke T Winfrey of btw ceramics, who after spending some time in New York establishing her ceramics studio moved to California. I asked Brooke about her love of ceramics and what a usual day in the studio would be.
Q: How did you discover your love for ceramics ?
I took a multi discipline art class in college on a whim. I didn't know how to make a living through artistic means so I took lots of writing and sociology classes in college. Not that those are really that much more practical but at the time I thought they were! In that art class, we had an assignment with clay and I was hooked. I could not get enough of experimenting with clay after that. Once I graduated, I found small hobby studios where I could continue to experiment and learn more about ceramics. Every minute I wasn't working at whatever random job I had, I was in a ceramics studio seeing what I could do with the material.
Q: How would you describe your creative style ?
How about minimalist with spunk?! I’m really drawn to very simple shapes with bold glazing or really crazy intricate shapes with very simple glazing. When the shape and the glaze are both really intricate, the pieces usually don’t speak to me in the same way. I can recognize the talent and patience it takes to create those pieces, but in my making life I like a little bit of restraint. It took me making many ugly, over the top, bizarre non-functional cups and bowls to figure out that simple silhouettes with graphic glaze are my jam. As for inspiration, I feel like my ceramics are a mash up of what I see and experience on a day to day basis. In antique and vintage stores, the shapes of various home goods really stand out for me. Months later, I’ll remember a random glass pitcher or a copper teapot or some old school ceramic cups and I’ll work small elements into a piece, even if it’s just adjusting the slightest hint of a curve. Small changes in angles and silhouettes can affect a ceramic object in a big way.
Q: Can you describe your studio space?
I've had a few different studios over the years but at the moment I'm in a communal space with a tiny area sectioned off for me. I have a couple of shelves, a bun rack, a wheel and a small table where I get everything done. Because space is tight I have to stay extremely organized and some days spend a decent amount of time moving things back and forth so I can make space to create more work. It does also mean I have to be very focused and finish each project before I can move on to another which has given me way more discipline! No experimenting or procrastinating before all the work is done and out the door!
Q: What would a normal work day for you be like?
I usually start my days by either doing computer work and/or shipping out orders. Once I get through that admin stuff, then I check my 'to make' list. I'll wedge the clay for whatever pieces I need to make and throw for 2-6 hours depending on my list. After that, I'll trim or paint, depending on the stage of my in progress pieces. Before I leave my studio at the end of the day I double check and make sure that pieces that need to be kept wet are wrapped up and everything else is lightly covered so it can slowly dry overnight.
Q: How has the change to California been?
I've been in southern California for 2 years now and it's so different from New York! I love it and hate it at the same time. Haha not really but sometimes I wish I could smoosh the two places together because it'd be perfect! Everyone in California is so much more relaxed and laid back so there's a lot more focus on enjoying life and not just working all the time which is pretty refreshing. I got so used to being able to walk everywhere in NY that it's been a bit of a shock to have to drive a least half an hour to get anywhere. But it is a great place to live and it's exciting to be somewhere new and constantly discovering new hidden gems!
Q: Who are the creatives you look up to or are inspired by?
I completely look up to my old studiomate, Virginia Sin @virginiasin_. Her styling and art direction are concise and illuminating. Her vision is so clear and so beautifully put together in a way that seamlessly integrates her pieces and allows them to truly shine. I'm always blown away!
Q: Whose insta feed do you love to follow?
I'm an animal lover extraordinaire so I love @thedodo. @plantincity has a rad mix of natural and architectural photos. And @cactus.man! Cause looking at cacti is a close second to cute creatures. : )
A beautiful range of Brooke's ceramics made exclusively for Of Object Home can be found here along with scented candle vessels here !
Find more of Brooke's wonderful work at her insta feed @btwceramics
