Maddie Gabriel
I came into this mentorship hoping to challenge some of the habits I’d settled into in my studio practice. I’ve typically focused on functional, wheel-thrown work, and wanted to experiment with handbuilding larger forms as well as new approaches to surface.
Who better to learn from than Julie Moon! I applied because I really admire Julie’s work and was excited to grow under her guidance alongside such a talented group of artists. I really value the conversations and connections that happen around clay, and was hoping to find a space to share ideas, get fresh perspectives, and be challenged creatively.
Through this mentorship, I found myself thinking differently about form and pushing beyond my usual size and shape constraints. I improved my coil-building skills through plenty of trial/error and problem-solving. I also developed some coloured terra sigillatas, which pushed my surfaces in a fresh direction. I gained a better understanding of what ideas I want to explore with my work and a renewed enthusiasm for taking risks.
I’m super grateful for this mentorship experience. There was so much generosity in the group, and I learned a lot through our conversations. I’m leaving with more confidence in my instincts, and a much longer list of things I want to explore than I came in with!
