Meet The Maker: Whitney Simpkins
Introducing Whitney Simpkins! Whitney (she/her) is a Visiting Artist from Baltimore, teaching Mixed Media Surface Design on November 4th at Hand / Thrown! We are so happy for Whitney to share her surface design skills with the community. We asked Whitney a few questions about her life and practice. Meet the maker.
HAND / THROWN: Tell us a little about you!
WHITNEY SIMPKINS: I’m originally from Florida and currently live in Baltimore. I love to bake desserts but the next best thing is making ceramics and I’ve been at it for about 7 years.
HT: Tell us a little bit about the style of work you enjoy making most!
WS: My style uses familiar forms with an emphasis on unique glazes and finishing. My favorite thing to think about when glazing is how I can juxtapose textures or patterns that aren’t usually seen together in ceramics
HT: What originally drew you to working with clay?
WS: I have a degree in painting and an interest in all things alchemical, so when I realized I could make almost any form and add almost any surface to it, I was hooked.
HT: What type of clay do you work with and why?
WS: I like speckled and dark stonewares for the interesting ways they can react with glazes, but I also love white clays to emphasize detailed surface design.
HT: Where have you studied ceramics, if you have. Or who have you studied with that left a lasting impression?
WS: I took a few ceramics classes in art school, but the hands down best experience I’ve had with clay has been being a member of the Potters Guild in Baltimore. Small community ceramics organizations tend to attract people with such a great range of perspectives.
HT: What is your favorite tool, why?
WS: I have a paintbrush that has 6 smaller paintbrushes on the end, creating a rake effect when it’s used. I don’t remember how I came to own this brush, or even where to get another one (I’ve done so much googling) so the mystery of it has made it my favorite.
HT: What’s your sign?
WS: Pisces!
HT: What will you be teaching during your workshop?
WS: I’ll be teaching surface design that focuses on layering and spontaneity