Visiting Artist – Virginia Gibbons
Virginia Gibbons
I have worked with clay for more than 25 years now. I love it in spite of the frustrations and limitations that it involves. These are more pronounced when building larger sculptural pieces. Often I envy artists who work in other media their ability to see immediate results and to change what does not satisfy them. Clay is amenable to change but only within a limited time frame. Clay also involves a long series of steps, including forming, trimming, drying, firing, glazing, and firing again.
Dry Creek. Porcelain on Stoneware Tile Wallpiece. 22 x 9 x 2 inches.
Where is your favorite place to work?
My studio when it is flooded with sunlight, and I can look out into my garden.
The Shaman's Eye. Stoneware clay, suitable for outdoor use. 35 x 11.5 x 2.25 inches
When did you know you were (or would be) an artist?
Making art has always felt central to my identity though I have taken many other paths both from necessity and curiosity. I have come to believe, however, that the whole of life is a part of one’s creative process. The past 12 years or so I have had the luxury of working on my art almost full time. For that I am grateful, although it involves financial sacrifice, because the non-monetary rewards are great.
Vessel 1. Stoneware clay and river wood. 18 x 12 x 12 inches
Keeping It Together. Stoneware clay and bronze. 19 x 9 x 3 inches.
What is your biggest joy when it comes to being an artist?
The actual forming stage of making the work is the part I enjoy the most. That is when the clay is soft, and most alive. I love the look of the work when it is still wet and the textures are fresh. The glazing/finishing process is exciting but also difficult because I never really know how the piece will look until I take it from the kiln after final firing. I use multiple glaze layers and often multiple firings to achieve the surfaces that I am after.
Currents. Porecelain, Paper, Wood Wallpiece. 49 x 25 x 2 inches.
Vessel 11. Stoneware clay & river wood. 11.5 x 11 x 11 inches.
How do you recharge your batteries?
Nature is my go-to source for recharging my creative batteries, and that includes my dear animal companions. Music, silence, and solitude are also important sources of renewal.
See More of Virginia’s Work at Her Website,
http://www.virginiagibbons.com,
or at Eno Gallery,
100 S. Churton St.,
Hillsborough, NC 27278.
The artist may be reached by email at:
vagibbons [at] gmail [dot] com
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T-Thomson
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