Gina DeSantis

Gina DeSantis

Gina’s studio is located on the third floor. Read more about her at http://ginadesantisceramics.com

Biography

Gina DeSantis is a Cleveland based ceramic artist. She holds a B.A. from Cleveland State and a M.F.A. in ceramics from Kent State University. She works in stoneware and porcelain clay creating functional, handmade pottery for the home and daily life. She teaches adult pottery courses at Art House located in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition she teaches children’s courses in clay, painting, and mixed media.

Her work continues to revolve around the parallel of making objects and the ritual of their use. It is clear that the interaction between objects and their environment plays a central theme in her body of work. Her work seeks to balance beauty and function. It is fluid in texture and pattern yet maintains its simplicity and elegance with often monochromatic glazes.

Process

I bisque fire my work to cone 06. I work with both stoneware and porcelain to create contemporary pottery. I glaze fire to cone 5. Both firings are done in an electric kiln. I like to keep the glazing process simple usually combining only two colors. I enjoy rich, saturated glaze colors combined with simple neutrals. Currently I have been working with wax resist and stains to create patterning on portions of the surface. The majority of my work is wheel thrown. My trays are handbuilt and I occasionally combine wheel thrown elements. I also add printmaking elements to my work by create lino cuts I use as large stamps. I enjoy using fine art elements in creating utilitarian ceramic objects.

Statement

There is a ritual within the process of making pottery. The production of multiple objects is an exercise. In a time of technology and reproduction the charm and handmade tactile nature of ceramic objects has become more precious. We surround ourselves with “things”. These items define us and give us an identity. There is a beauty not only in the ritual of creating but in the use of these things made with creativity. They become part of someone’s daily routine. We assign different purposes to objects as we accumulate them. We have a number of mugs in the cupboard but we grab the same one every morning. It becomes a reflex, a comforting action in our day.

I am inspired by some things that are more traditional: Victorian and antique silver trays, the colors used by Russel Wright, African textiles and the simplicity and elegance found in Asian art. I am also inspired by things less traditional for a potter: Clothing, home décor trends (both with them and against them), design, the environment and landscape of living in a city such as Cleveland.

My work celebrates domesticity, ritual, and beauty by respecting traditional craft while pushing the boundaries of those forms. The pieces are created to be embraced by the user and to enhance the space in which they are positioned. While these vessels are fulfilled by their use, I am fulfilled by the process of making.