Paula West

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Artist Bio

I grew up in Connecticut, the youngest of nine children, running in and out of my parents restaurant as they worked. In high school I moved to New Hampshire where I was fortunate to have a pottery teacher that took our class on a field trip to his studio. The earthy smell of clay, the textures, forms and process began my love for ceramics. I went on to graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in Studio Art, where I spent most of my time in the ceramics studio, taking classes and working as a tech, loading and firing kilns and mixing clay and glazes.

After college, I moved to the west coast, living in Vancouver BC, Washington, California (where I worked for a potter) and Oregon before moving to San Juan Island In 1990. Here I met my husband and in 1993 set up my current studio, adding the showroom in 2007. I now work full time at making pottery and raising two boys.

I enjoy making functional, useful objects that can become a favorite mug or bowl that is reached for day after day. I love the smooth, white, translucent qualities of porcelain and the contrast of black slip on white clay. My pieces are thrown and slab built, using slips, wax resist, carving and the sgraffito technique to create whimsical and contemporary designs and motifs.