Tara is a ceramic artist living in Telluride, CO. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics and her Master of Business Administration from Otterbein University. Since graduating in 2011, Tara has been teaching ceramics classes, developing her own work by attending a variety of workshops, and exhibiting her wares. Currently, Tara works full-time at the Ah Haa School for the Arts as the Ceramics Program Director and manages a pottery co-operative, the Wheel House. She fills her spare time making pottery and bird sculptures while enjoying the mountains of Telluride.
IF YOU COULD HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH ONE ARTIST, ALIVE OR DECEASED, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would love to pick Judy Chicago's brain. As a female ceramic artist, The Dinner Party had a huge impact on me during my undergraduate studies. I imagine she has some entertaining stories about how this feminist masterpiece was received at the time.
Which artistic media inspires you most?
Ceramics inspires me most because of the give and take involved. This medium forces you respond and let the material itself have a heavy influence on the form and finish of each piece. At a certain point, you have to give your work up to the kilns and accept whatever happens during the firing. The lack of control can be humbling or rewarding and constantly pushes you to accept, learn, and grow.
What is your favorite awkward growth moment or barrier-breaking time?
The marbled pottery I've been developing came about by accident! I was experimenting with some different materials around the Ah Haa ceramics studio and decided to add mason stains to clay. I had been playing with pinch pots after doing about a thousand demos during the previous summer's kids camps and thought the stains would add some depth. They looked pretty awful after the first kiln firing, so the unfinished pots ended up sitting on a shelf for months. I only added a clear glaze to fill up a glaze kiln for student work and was pleasantly shocked to see how they turned out.
What inspires you and/or keeps you engaged and moving forward?
The mental health benefits involved with creating art keeps me engaged. Whether it's sculpting a bird I saw while on lift 9 or pinching a pot during my lunch break, finding ways to keep my hands in clay keeps me happy and moving forward.
Tell us about your upcoming events, new releases, or anticipated projects.
The best way to stay in touch and find out about upcoming exhibitions and projects is to follow me on Instagram @youpinchityoupotit. You can also check out my website at taracarterceramics.com.