54.0°
Artist Teresa Wik takes a moment to relax and talk about her work in her expansive new pottery studio and workshop space. Photo by Carole Sesko |
Comments (2)The Dish on Teresa Wik and T Pots Pottery
Meet the Artist: Teresa Wik
Published: February 14, 2008by Carole Sesko
"Sierra Gold Vase" 24 inches by 12 inches, wheel-thrown and fired
Click on images for slideshow
Nestled in between an automotive repair shop and a landscaping business in the Old Henrikson Mill Building on West River Street is an unlikely find: a full-fledged pottery studio and teaching facility. T Pots Pottery has found its largest home to date, since first conceived in 2001 by artist Teresa Wik of Truckee. I caught up with Teresa on a snowy January afternoon, sipped coffee, and enjoyed her warm and toasty studio overlooking the Truckee River.
Picassos: How did you get into this business?
Teresa: I learned to throw clay in a high school ceramics class in Los Gatos in my junior year. I loved it so much, my dad bought me my first potter’s wheel, which I’ve lugged around for the past 25 years. (Teresa points to the corner, where the well-worn wheel stands): There it is, I still use it.
P: Besides your career as a potter, what else do you do?
T: For the last seven years, I’ve been working as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Tahoe Forest Hospital. When I moved to the Truckee area in 1988, I started out as a ski patroller at Donner Ski Ranch, which led me to volunteer with the Donner Summit Fire Dept. I enjoyed that work so much, I became a paramedic and got a full time position at Donner Summit Fire Dept. After that I went through nursing school, and I worked for Eastern Plumas Health Care in Portola as Director of Outpatient Services, which was a 24/7 job. Eventually I wanted more free time in my life, and I got hired at Tahoe Forest Hospital, which was a goal of mine.
P: When did you start throwing clay again?
T: Right after I started at TFH, I bought a kiln and T Pots Pottery was born. I took over the garage in my home in Tahoe Donner, and started out by doing a few craft fairs. I did okay. One day I was in Grass Valley, and I happened upon the artists’ co-op gallery. I applied, got accepted, and my work sold well there. It gave me a huge boost of confidence, and I started working in clay full time in the summer and part time in the winter, because clay dries faster in the summer. In 2003, I started doing the Tahoe ARTour open studio tour, and I’ve participated in that for five years. Last year I got together with a couple of artists from ARTour, and launched Truckee Gallery, a local co-op gallery. It was a one-year venture that brought a community of artists together, and I had my studio there. It was a pretty neat place.
P: How do you like your new location here on West River Street?
T: I love it here! It’s big, roomy, and light-filled. The studio has a positive bright feel to it and the sun shines in the windows all day. Sometimes I eat lunch at the river across the street. I have lots of room to spread out and work on several things at once. That way I don’t loose concentration by having to start over every day. Also, I’ve always wanted to teach classes, and I finally have room to do that.
P: Tell me about your classes. How many students can you accommodate?
T: This is my first winter offering classes, and I have one group now and I’m starting a second group in February. I have space for four students in the wheel throwing class, and they each get their own wheel. The handbuilding classes are open to six to eight students. On the second Saturday of every month I offer a drop-in pottery day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From beginner to advanced, anybody can come and play in clay. For a fee of $25 you get 3 hours of studio time and up to ten pounds of clay. Also, I’m offering a fun party idea called “Mud Buddies.” Basically it’s a clay party designed for people who want a special outing, like an alternative to girls’ night out or going to the movies.
P: What is a typical work day for you?
T: First thing in the morning, I go walking or snowshoeing with my two golden retrievers. Then I come to the studio, uncover the previous days’ work, wedge (knead) the clay, and then throw for a couple hours. Typically I’ll throw 50 to 100 lbs pounds of clay in a day, then I’ll do trimming and add handles. I usually work from six to eight hours, but sometimes I get lost in it and 12 hours will pass. Other days I’m loading the kiln, glazing or waxing, or teaching.
P: What inspires your work?
T: I get inspired by playing in the clay and completely manipulating it with my hands. The more I can get away from round and predictable is what I’m striving for. I do a lot of functional pieces like dinnerware and accessories, and those pieces are my mainstay. Lately I’ve ventured into three-dimensional sculpture, experimenting with both slab-built and coil-built techniques, and I enjoy that a lot. The variety between functional and non-functional work is a nice balance and keeps it interesting for me.
P: Who are some other artists who have inspired you?
T: I enjoy the work of Bill VanGilder. He’s a contemporary potter based in Gapland, Maryland, who also does a lot of teaching. Generally I don’t look too much at other artist’s work, because I’m developing my own style and identity at this stage.
P: How do you sell your work?
T: Mostly I sell through repeat customers that I’ve meet through my studio or on ARTour. This year I’m planning four big open studio weekends, and the next one is the first weekend in April. Customers are always welcome to stop by or they can call first. My pottery is featured at North Tahoe Arts in Tahoe City, Ryrie’s Art and Home, and the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno.
P: What are your next goals?
T: I just made my last goal happen, which was to move to a commercial spot, set up my dream studio, have space for retail, and space to teach classes. My next goal is to do my art full time and fully support myself with it. Also, I’m working toward having a solo or collaborative show at a well-known gallery.
P: Anything else I should ask you?
T: Yes. I want to acknowledge the help I get from my mom, Cory Moore. She is my number one supporter and greatest cheerleader. She does all the pricing and helps me with sales. I’d never be in the place I am now without all her encouragement. When I set my goals, she listens to what I have to say and helps me come up with an action plan. Also, my husband Stu helps me a lot and is very supportive.
T Pots Pottery is located at 11084 West River Street #4, Truckee CA 96161. Reach Teresa at 530-559-9773, or visit tpotspottery.com for more information about her work or classes.
~ Carole Sesko is a Truckee-based artist with a passion for promoting creativity in our community. Contact Carole at 530-587-7750 or carolesesko.com.
2 Reader Comments so far ...