Mobile
Monday, July 20, 2009
Arts / News Arts Flash: Potter Jennifer Mecca
Posted By Anita Overcash on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Jennifer Mecca’s pottery creations include cookie jars, butter dishes, teapots, cake plates and more. Her works, currently on exhibit at Lark and Key Gallery & Boutique are featured alongside of Jen Swearington’s artistic quilt display. The exhibit continues through Sunday, July 26. For details, call 704-379-1826 or go to www.larkandkey.com.
Creative Loafing: When did you first become interested in pottery? And how long have you been a potter?
Jennifer Mecca: I became interested in pottery while working at a large craft gallery outside of Durham, NC called Cedar Creek Gallery. I started making pots in 1994.
What most attracted you to the pottery art form?
I just really enjoyed throwing on the wheel. Watching and feeling a small ball of clay become a shape in a matter of minutes just seemed so cool to me when I first started throwing.
How did learn pottery techniques?
I started taking classes at Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh during the evenings. I then decided to go back to school and earn another BFA in ceramics and from there I stayed on for my masters. I also have taken many workshops and studied up at Penland School of Crafts and Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, which are both craft schools in the mountains.
What is the most challenging aspect in the pottery process for you?
Basically just trying to get everything to work together. Form, surface, function and my thoughts on why I create what I do and how I get that point across in my work.
You work primarily with porcelain and white stoneware, is that right? Why these materials?
The first clay I threw was porcelain, which was sort of a backward thing to do because it is a very hard clay body to throw with. I have always liked the way it feels on my hands because it has no grit. I am also drawn to bright, fun and funky colors. I can achieve almost anything bright on a white surface.
What kinds of items do you typically create? What are your favorites?
I love to make specialty dishes. Items like salt and pepper shakers, egg cups or at the moment, cake plates. I enjoy thinking that my pieces are for something special and not just an everyday meal.
What kinds of colors do you typically use in your pieces and why?
My main color palette is aqua, green and gold. At the moment I am experimenting with adding other accent colors to this pallet.
No two pieces are exactly alike. Is that right?
I am a person who enjoys creating. Because of this, I get bored easy with the same piece over and over again. I am always thinking of new things to make, new surfaces to try and a new approach to an old form and new one that I have seen. I think that if someone likes to collect my work, they will always keep coming back if I have something new.
Speaking of...
-
The Moffett Restaurant Group Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Barrington’s Restaurant
Oct 12, 2020 -
Cancer's better with a side of 'shrooms
Aug 7, 2020 -
The Art of Influence
Aug 2, 2020 - More »
Latest in The CLog
More by Anita Overcash
-
Milling around Haberdish
Dec 28, 2016 -
Farewell; my time at The Loaf
Dec 28, 2016 -
Today's Top 5: Thursday
Dec 22, 2016 - More »
-
Meghan McCain's dating woes revealed
The girl is hard up and in need of help. Volunteers?
-
5 Reasons To Buy Home Insurance Policy
-
Question the Queen City: What lurks in the woods of Camp Greene? 1
The World War 1 training facility's tragic past lingers even today
