Finding inspiration in 20th century modern artists, ceramic artist Pam Berry combines the natural beauty of the clay with vibrant colors and bold patterns. Her resulting work is functional yet beautiful and meant to be used everyday.
Pam has been selected as this quarter’s featured artist for the Janet Krieger Artist Spotlight.
Read on to learn more about Pam and her creative practice.
Trying to enhance everyday with something useful and beautiful guides my work and hopefully brings joy to others.
What is your artistic background?
One of my earliest memories is watching a potter at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA. Seeing the clay lift up from the wheel into a small pitcher was mesmerizing. This is where my pottery journey started. However, it wasn’t until after college that I began taking pottery classes. Before long, I was helping with kiln loading/unloading. Over the years, wherever I lived (MI, MA, CT, MD, DC) and worked (first as an engineer and then as a lawyer), I found pottery classes so that I could continue to learn and work with clay. Now, I am able to spend countless hours in my home studio.
Joining local pottery guilds and taking workshops also enriched my understanding of clay’s possibilities. A few years ago, I joined a local artists collective that exhibits work in a wide range of artistic media at a local gallery. The influence of the other artists in this group led me to explore new techniques, clays and glazes.
What are your favorite materials to work with/types of things to make?
My favorite tool is my slab roller and my favorite clay is a tan speckled stoneware. With these, I make slab built platters and trays of different sizes and shapes. Many of these pieces are hand painted with underglazes, so that each kiln opening is filled with an abundance of color. I often use tape resist when decorating so that the natural beauty of the clay is visible on the surface of a piece.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
Most of my work is influenced by modern artists from the 20th century. From Gene Davis’s stripes to the geometric forms of Bauhaus and Suprematism artists, I seek to embrace this aesthetic in functional pottery.
How would you describe your work?
My work is functional and meant to be used every day. I envision each piece being used with good food and great company.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process varies day-to-day, but I try to keep a steady work flow. Rolling out slabs, painting bisqueware, glazing, and loading my kiln fill many days.
What is the most rewarding thing about your practice?
Clay’s possibilities are limitless. There is always a new glaze to try, a new shape to form, a new firing schedule that can produce different results. Working with clay is all-consuming with time taking on a new meaning. It is measured in kiln firings and coolings and pots drying just the right amount for the next step in the process. The outside world can easily become of secondary importance.
And what challenges do you face as an artist?
The work of an artist is often solitary and can be all-consuming. Making time to engage with the world outside my studio is my biggest challenge.
Outside of your practice, do you do any other creative activities/what are your interests?
In recent years, now that our children are grown, my husband and I have begun to travel extensively. In addition to visiting our children and grandchildren, who live in London, Denver and Philadelphia, an art museum or gallery is often a focal point of our destination. Most recently, we toured a few Frank Lloyd Wright designed structures, including Falling Water and Taliesin West, and a glass gallery in Tucson.
What role does the artist have in society?
Creative work, whether it is visual, literary, dramatic, or musical, plays an important role in our society. It can challenge us, open conversations, or simply put a smile on our face.
What is art/craft to you?
To me, art/craft involves skillful making of things by hand.
Tell us about your favorite artist or artists that inspires you.
I am inspired by so many artists, it is difficult to choose only a few. The sometimes surprising color combinations of abstract artists often catch my eye and inspire me to translate their choices onto the surface of clay.
Anything else you would like to add?
Trying to enhance everyday with something useful and beautiful guides my work and hopefully brings joy to others.
You can shop a selection of Pam’s work in our Store at 5645 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. You can find Pam online at https://www.kentoakspottery.com/, and on Instagram and Facebook.
