ceramics by emma raynor
Ever since I was a child I have loved the feel of clay in my hands. I like to pass on the sense of calm I feel at the wheel through the pieces that I form there. I’m most inspired by nature- I find myself mirroring the organic shapes, earth tones and curves of the natural world in my work. When I make a new piece I am honoring the creativity of my metalworking grandfather, my father who taught me to see in new ways through his photography, and the generations of storytellers I come from. Every piece is a new story.
how it started
When I was little I kept a piece of clay in my pocket at all times. A tiny, colorful ball to press between my fingers. The only time I got in trouble in elementary school is when I got more focused on the clay creation happening inside my desk than the work happening on top of it. I made lots of teeny tiny creatures, like this little gray bird, and gifted them to all my friends and family members. When I was ten, I took my first real clay class where I made this elephant candle holder and dog mug. I didn't return to clay again until college, where I focused my final project on this ceramic shoe, choosing the wildest glaze I could find. I had a long clay break since college, and have finally found my way back to it.
New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts Miniature Exhibition 2022
how its going
I still make minis along with tableware, earrings and vases. I’m currently working on commissions to create tableware for a couple small local restaurants. I’m also beginning a project in honor of my grandfather who was a plumber turned mobile maker- I’m using his tools and materials to create ceramic mobiles and stabiles in his style. I sell my pieces at markets year round, but especially during the holiday season. I also work as a ceramic studio assistant for Sarah House where I am inspired as I learn new ways to clay. My work is sold at Glitter Box in the French Quarter, and Chu Chi Cho off Magazine Street.