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Artist Profile: Daria Claiborne

Daria Claiborne

3402 Finley Ave.
Joplin, MO 64804

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Bio:

I have been drawn to pottery for years.Pottery has such warmth. Good pottery should make you want to touch it in order to feel that warmth. Fourteen years ago I pestered a now good friend of mine to give me lessons on the potter’s wheel. Helen Ryan formerly at the Emporium on the Square in Carthage graciously conceded to give me those first three precious lessons. Upon Helen’s recommendation, I went on to register at Missouri Southern State University where I’ve been taking the Monday night pottery class ever since. In the last few years, I’ve been blessed to have such awesome teachers as Jed Schelegel, Frank Pishkur, Brent Skinner and John Shermbeck. All are quite accomplished in their unique styles. And over those years, I’ve managed to create my own studio at home. I have my own wheel and kiln which allows me to fire mid-range clay bodies at home. I’ve come to appreciate not only the process behind the finished product, but the people and personalities involved in the pottery or ceramic world. Throughout the years, I’ve attended numerous workshops and seminars meeting top artists all over the country which have helped me expand my knowledge of the medium that I’ve come to adore. With more understanding of clay or porcelain, I try to not just imitate what I’ve learned, but to use that technique and make it “mine”. I strive to create predominantly functional pieces that are artfully made. Actually, the whole process can be a love/ hate relationship, but a challenging relationship is one of the most satisfying. Most recently, I’ve started working more with the Mishima process and under glazes which is a reflection on my interest in watercolors. This reveals the lovely pureness of the porcelain that I have come to love. My other works are generally multiple glazing techniques that make each piece unique. It is my hope to share what I’ve learned over these last years with others that they too may come to appreciate the ceramic world as I do. As a diversions from clay, I've dabbled with watercolors which as I stated above has been another fascination of mine. My particular favorite themes are either flowers or places that I've visited with my family (and that often involves flowers, as well).