2100 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | 412.261.7003 | www.contemporarycraft.org
Joanna Powell
The focus of my work has been the creation of pieces that are beautiful and fun, with an informal use of material, pattern and color. I am a collector of objects and ideas that manifest themselves in a need to create pieces that evoke a playful nostalgic feeling within the viewer. Memories of objects are important to me and are incorporated into the pieces, like the curve of the outer edge of an old umbrella or the fluffiness of a cloud. I picture my work in an imaginary landscape--quiet, picturesque and ideal. Pastries and sweets are an inspiration for form and function as well.
Color and form are inseparable, influencing each other throughout the process. I am interested in color and its ability to evoke emotion. My glazes are layered to create a sense of depth in the surface, using color to invite touch from the viewer. When glazing, I let the pots tell me what they want.
To me, making pots is about excitement, humor, and whimsy. Clay is a technical yet intuitive medium and the work comes from within. My forms are created through evolution and not forced into being.
To see Joanna’s resume, click here.
Joanna Powell
Petit Four Tray, 2009
soda fired porcelain
6” x 10” x 4”
Joanna Powell
Butter Dish, 2009
soda fired porcelain
4” x 7.25” x 4”
Joanna Powell
Donut Tulipiere, 2009
soda fired porcelain
4.5” x 7.25” x 7.25”
Joanna Powell
Cookie Jar, 2009
soda fired porcelain
6” x 6.5” x 6.5”
Joanna Powell
Clloud Plate, 2009
soda fired porcelain
8.5” diameter
Joanna Powell
Cake Dish, 2009
soda fired porcelain
11.25” x 12” x 12”