mdby……YASHA BUTLER

Today we talk about ceramics, Yasha Butler show us diffused indigo really attractive!!

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How did you decide you wanted to dedicate your life to ceramics?
I’ve dedicated many years to ceramics, but I think that ceramics is only one of a number of mediums that will define me as I progress.

Why did you choose Barcelona after Brooklyn? What did you find here?
Context fuels creativity. The more experiences I have and the more places I see, the broader my world becomes. I have been an artist in Oakland, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and currently have a studio in Barcelona and Istanbul. Each city has its own personality. In Barcelona, I have fallen in love with the Mediterranean coast, small balconies, and long lunches of effortless conversation..

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You have two studios, one in Barcelona and one in Istanbul, why do you keep both? Is it fruitful?
Istanbul is where I was born and raised. It is my home and I work hard to keep it in my personal and professional life. It is an amazingly energetic city with a vibrant artistic scene. It has a history of traditional craft, as well as a new focus on contemporary art and design. Being part of this chaotic city has been frustrating at times, but always rewarding.

Do you know what you want to accomplish? What is your goal in your work?
I am working on establishing three lines of work – a line of sculptural objects, a line of functional ceramics and a line of contemporary jewelry..

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Can you tell us what differentiates your work from the work of others?
Everybody has a unique style. I don’t spend time comparing my work to others. I just make what comes naturally.

Do you design all your objects before you begin creating them? Or do you have an idea in mind and then make it into a form from working with the material?
I usually have a sense of the form in mind when I begin to create a new piece. However, the work always changes as it is being created. This organic evolution is one of the advantages of working with clay.

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You base your work on raindrops, salt crystals, sand… Is nature what inspires you? What else do you find inspiring?
Nature does inspire me, but not only. I collect ideas from many textures that are far from natural – rust, weathered concrete and crumbling plaster.

What do you find most challenging about your job?
The business part is never easy.

What would be your ideal job?
What I do now.

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Do you think pottery will disappear because of 3d printers?
I think there is room for both. Creating by hand vs. creating with a machine are just two different techniques of production and they both have pluses and minuses. I know of some very creative artists who are actually using clay for 3D printing.

Do you like working alone?
I love working alone. There is something magical about being in my own little creative world.

How did you start to become known for your work?
I believe that if you make good work and put yourself out there, people will find you.

What has been your biggest success?
I had my first solo exhibition last summer in San Diego, CA.
Jennifer Luce designed a series of beautiful tables specifically for the pieces that I produced. Working with such a talented designer and seeing my work fill up a whole gallery space was an amazing experience.

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What do you do to relax?
On my own, I love to do yoga, take a tea break or go for a long walk. With friends I love to have a relaxing meal outdoors with plenty of wine and good food.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about getting into the pottery world?
Focus on finding your own voice and make the best work that you can make.

24.04.15