Laura Williams
(they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016.
Laura is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus in functional ceramics. They teach ceramics classes in Chicago, IL with The Digs Chicago and Lillstreet Arts Centre.
“My work explores themes of color, process, material, narrative and play. Functional wares are formed using methods of pinching, the potter’s wheel or slab. Decoration is achieved through use of mason stain, terra sig, slip, glaze, underglaze and or the underglaze pencil.
I keep a multidisciplinary practice, which spans from representational cartoons, prints, illustrations, paintings, clay sculpture, and functional ceramics. When working in clay I hope to create bright, playful functional ware that is a conversation between color, design, material and form. I’m interested in the way clay records our every choice; throw lines, finger prints, brush strokes, even sometimes our moods. It’s always exciting to see the way people’s personalities are exhibited in their wares. In an increasingly machine driven society, it’s refreshing when handmade items feel refined, yet human. Returning to the earth in a tradition that’s been passed down for centuries feels natural, grounding and necessary. I believe we were designed to live in a community with one another. I feel grateful to the material for repeatedly providing me with one.
I hope to respect the material, and continue ceramic’s legacy of connection. It’s wonderful the way clay can be reclaimed, reformed and remade over and over until it’s ready for its final form. I often tell those who take my classes that the lessons of clay echo the lessons of personhood. Lessons like, “‘Process over product, focus on what you can control, starting centered doesn't mean we end centered, don’t become too attached to wares, accept that pieces can fall apart but keep making and learning from what does not work, patience, once something is vitrified it lasts forever, changed. If we let it, clay can be a wonderful teacher.
I love pottery’s intention of holding food and drink, and feel honored whenever I’m told a piece has become part of someone’s routine. I love sharing what I make and know with those in my community and seek to offer a variety of price points with wares to ensure my work is accessible. I hope that my work elicits the joy with which it was made. Making for me is a form of play, I seek to get lost in the process of creating and share that ability with those who take my classes.
Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Lillstreet Arts Center, The Digs Chicago, The Chicago Ceramics Center, Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, and Wheel House Studios.