Jessica Battes-Grabowski
Cindy Groszkiewicz
Last May, Jessica Battes-Grabowski visited the Happy Potters Studio to share her clay carving techniques as a guest potter. Her demonstration was so well received that she was invited back this May for a demonstration on a unique way to make a flower vase.
Using the slab-built method with leather hard clay, Jessica constructed a cylinder by cutting out randomly sized clay strips, layering and overlapping them from the bottom up.
While she carefully “slipped and scored” and shaped each layer, she discussed some concepts of unique design, such as using free-form construction (pattern-free and not overthinking it) and adding different textures, shapes, and/or varying layer sizes and spacing for more interest. All potters in attendance, novice to veteran, learned a lot! By the conclusion of the lesson and demonstration, Jessica had skillfully constructed a beautifully organic ruffle layered vase!
Jessica has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UNT and a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is presently Associate Professor of Art at Tarrant County College in Arlington.
The Happy Potters host various guest demos and workshops throughout the year for club members. Contact club VP Dawn Michelson at [email protected] or President Linda Burleson at [email protected] to find out how you can become a member.