Whitney Smith Artist Statement

I fell in love with throwing clay on the wheel when I took a class at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz in 1994. I had a fantastic teacher, Dan Martinez, who skillfully taught me all the basics, and allowed me to take many independent study classes to hone my talent. I went on to the University of California to study for a degree in anthropology, but I continued to work in my garage studio and assisted another Santa Cruz artist, Sandi Dihl, at her clay studio. While I seriously considered going on to graduate studies for anthropology, I felt a deep passion for clay that I wanted to turn into a full-time living. After relocating to the Bay Area I worked as a floral designer in San Francisco and as an assistant for Bob Pool while continuing to develop my own pots on the side. With the help and support of family, friends, and clients, I was able to make the leap to full-time potter in early 2000.

My design sense is primarily informed by my obsession with flowers and other forms found in nature. I have painted and drawn since I was a small child, and many of my designs are influenced by other painters and 2-D artists. I am also strongly influenced by Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th early 20th Century. I like the look and feel of old things and antiques, and my glaze choices have a certain look that reminds people of an different era.

I also try to emulate the craftmanship of an earlier time. Unless otherwise noted, all of my pieces are thrown on the potter's wheel first, then carved and textured into their final shape.