Lisa-Marie
C’est en 1987 que j’ai commencé à explorer la céramique. Pendent deux ans j’ai étudié les techniques de fabrication manuelle dans un atelier communautaire de la ville de Winnipeg. Après cette courte introduction à la poterie, ma carrière musicale prend l’essentiel de mon temps et je mets la céramique de coté. La musique avait toujours été ma priorité, mais à travailler comme artiste indépendante pendant 25 ans je me suis retrouvée plus souvent à porter le chapeau de gérant, d’agent ou de secrétaire que celui de l’artiste. Ça m’a épuisée. J’avais besoin de retrouver ma créativité.
En 1998 j’ai eu l’occasion de refaire connaissance avec l’argile et sa boue lisse et fraîche m’a fait du bien. J’ai donc poursuivi ce plaisir et en 1999 j’ai rencontré celui qui deviendra mon mentor, Kevin Kushnier. J’ai suivi ses cours puis loué de l’espace dans son studio et je suis finalement devenue son apprenti. Il m’a enseigné la roue de potier, l’usage des fours à gaz et électriques. Depuis l’an 2002 je suis potière à plein temps et l’essentiel de ma production se veut utilitaire.
Présentement je fais des pièces tant montées à la main que montées sur la roue de potier et tant pour un usage quotidien que pour l’embellissement de son espace. Je travaille le grès et la porcelaine et cuit la céramique dans un four électrique. Je suis très influencée par la nature, utilisant herbes et coquilles pour créer des textures.
Mon objectif est de créer beauté et caractère dans chaque pièce que je sculpte. Joindre la beauté et l’utilitaire me permet de découvrir de nouvelles avenues d’expression. J’aime expérimenter avec les formes, les idées et les glaçures. Ces expérimentations sont la source de mon apprentissage continu et de ma créativité.
LM
“Au fil des ans j’ai eu la fortune de collectionner plusieurs pièces fabriquées par Lisa-Marie. Son art combine l’utilitaire cru et un flair artistique hautement inspiré.” Colin G., Winnipeg
I began my journey as a potter in 1987 and studied hand-building techniques for 2 years at a City of Winnipeg recreation facility. After that brief introduction to pottery I drifted away from it when my career in music took over. Music was my first priority, but after working singer and songwriter for almost 25 years I became more focused on the business aspects of music rather than directing my energies towards the creative process of songwriting and performing.
In 1998 my path led me back to clay. I accidentally stubbed my toe on a bag of clay at a friend’s house and then asked if I could use some clay and make something. Since that day I’ve noticed how nicely all things clay-related have fallen into my lap.
In 1999 I met my clay mentor Kevin Kushnier at The Blue Door Clay Studio. I took his classes then rented space in his studio and after a short time became his apprentice. I received some intensive instruction on the potter’s wheel and sat in as Kevin taught his classes. I learned additional hand building techniques and was given instruction in many types of surface decoration. I learned how to fire both electric and gas kilns.
Since 2002 when I became a full time studio potter I’ve focused on functional pottery. I make pieces that are both hand built and made on the potter’s wheel; that are both functional and sculptural; that can be used every day to create beautiful meals and beautiful surroundings.
I work mainly in stoneware and sometimes porcelain and high fire in an electric kiln. I’m surrounded by nature and therefore I’m greatly influenced by it. I often incorporate nature’s objects into my hand built work (leaves, seed pods and grasses) to achieve a variety of surface effects.
My path in ceramics has been comparatively easy to that of music. I’ve been given supplies in the way of dried up old blocks of clay (which can be easily reconstituted), raw glaze materials, tools and bags and pots of vintage glazes. Lately it is those things that have influenced my work the most. Since these things find their way to me I honour their presence in my studio by working with them and letting them lead me in the creation of my functional ware. My goal is to create beauty and character in each individual piece.
Something different touches each of us when we hold a bowl, cup or teapot. What you feel in each piece of pottery is the living earth that has been transformed by the potter’s hands by what is in their heart and soul and their creative mind.
LM
“Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to collect a number of Lisa-Marie’s pieces. Her work combines raw functionality with an amazing level of artistic flair and inspiration.” ~ Colin G., Winnipeg.