Meet The Maker: Mackenzie Pikaart
Introducing Mackenzie Pikaart! Mackenzie (she/her) is our first Visiting Artist, teaching The Basics of Nerikomi on October 14th at Hand / Thrown! We are so happy to welcome Mackenzie to Richmond to share her skills with the community. We asked Mackenzie a few questions about her life and practice. Meet the maker.
HAND / THROWN: Tell us a little about you!
MACKENZIE PIKAART: Hello all, I'm Mackenzie from Philadelphia PA, I am a hand-builder mainly working with hand dyed clay at the moment. I make functional pots for your home and daily rituals. I am also a large-scale installation artist that focuses on memories, dreams and relationships. Other than my personal work I support other makers in the Philly area by teaching workshops, firing their works, and assisting with any troubleshooting. I’m excited to come to Hand Thrown to teach a workshop and meet all of you!
HT: Tell us a little bit about the style of work you enjoy making most!
MP: I identify as a hand-builder and mainly flat coil builder. I love making large vases with mixed agate coils. Being able to somewhat predict how the coils will mix together, but then having a nice surprise once the piece is fully fired makes unloading the kiln really fun!
HT: What originally drew you to working with clay?
MP: One of my first jobs as a teenager was working at a paint your own pottery studio. I think finding that community, wanting to fit in really drew me to clay. I then started to work with it a bit in high school, and then went full blast in college!
HT: What type of clay do you work with and why?
MP: I prefer stoneware, something with a bit of grog and texture for my hands to feel as I build the pots.
HT: Where have you studied ceramics, if you have. Or who have you studied with that left a lasting impression?
MP: I have a BFA in ceramics from the University of the Arts in Philly PA, along with studying in Japan for a bit of time with some really amazing artists. I think that my teacher Lizbeth Stewart really made an impression, she helped me focus and also see beyond what clay has to be.
HT: What is your favorite tool, why?
MP: I think my favorite tool is a solid handleless rolling pin. One with good weight but isn't too hard to travel with. It is an easy find at many yard sales.
HT: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
MP: My work relates to the growth of a life. What memories, interactions, movement and choices made can alter someone’s trajectory. I personally don’t have the best memory but my works can act as a visual display of time tracking, and eventful interactions with others.
HT: Who are some artists you admire, why?
MP: Maddy Conover a friend and fellow artist. She is an incredible teacher, and printmaker. We met at my old studio, and it has been really fun seeing her print process translate in the clay world. You can see more of her work here @madeleineconover
Anna McCarthy is another artist and maker I love. She is a baker, who has a whimsical way of making cakes and pastries that I have had the pleasure of eating! The way that she dreams up her creations, with layers of flavors and still makes everything look and taste delicious is beyond what my mind is capable of. More of her bakes can be found @tellement.sweet
Lastly, another artist I admire is Joel Gleiser, performs under the name Sephy, is a really beautiful musician, friend and fellow dog lover. Joel’s creative mind and musical talent stretches him beyond his piano. He is a teacher, collaborator and producer. He is always ready to play a goofy music or word game, and doesn’t take all stages of the creating art world too seriously. If you want to listen to any of his music you can find it here.
Maddy Conover Ceramics
Maddy Conover Ceramics
Mackenzie’s Yellow Lamp
HT: Describe your favorite piece of pottery (currently)
MP: Currently my favorite piece of pottery that I have made is my yellow lamp. It is a large vase-like vessel that has this ruffle-like structure on the exterior of the lamp almost like scaffolding. The structure is embedded with glass beads that have melted in the kiln.
HT: What’s your sign?
MP: Libra.
HT: Cats or Dogs?
MP: Dogs.
HT: What will you be teaching during your workshop?
MP: How to dye your clay, Nerikiomi a layering technique, how to use bisque molds