Gina DeSantis is a Cleveland-based ceramic artist who earned her bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University and an MFA in ceramics from Kent State University. Her functional, handmade pottery pieces are available on Etsy, through her own website and at local galleries including Salty Not Sweet Handmade Boutique in the Waterloo Arts District of Cleveland. Her studio is located within the Screw Factory in the Lake Erie Building at Templar Industrial Park in Lakewood. Recently, OhioAuthority asked Gina a few questions about the art of creating pottery, teaching and working as an artist in Cleveland.
OhioAuthority: You reference ritual as an important element; both in how pottery is made and in how the objects you create are used. How does the concept of ritual inform your ongoing creative process?
Gina DeSantis: When I began work on my thesis for my MFA, I started to question why I chose clay as a form of expression. Ceramics has a process that must be respected but at the same time challenged. The repetitive nature of making work allows for constant growth and experimentation. The ritual for me is this process and how the work consistently changes, sometimes on its own accord. Once the piece leaves my hands and finds a home, a new ritual is created based on a context I do not control. I enjoy knowing that my work is used on a regular basis, and that it becomes part of someone’s daily routine.
OA: What is it like to work in the creative/artistic community in Cleveland? How has that community supported you, and how has it changed the way you work?
GD: Working as an artist in Cleveland is full of both opportunities and challenges. On one hand I really love Cleveland, its landscape and the people in this city. It has definitely impacted my work. I can also afford a studio space and rent a nice home, a luxury I could not afford in a major city. You can be an artist that sells nationally and live in any city, and I think that people often forget that. What good does it do me to live in New York City if I can’t afford to enjoy the city to its fullest? Here, I have a studio and a supportive arts community to retreat to.
As far as challenges, Cleveland is a small city and often times that limits the amount of jobs and opportunities. I know many artists who have left the city because of this, which is a challenge I think Cleveland needs to address.
OA: What are some of the ways you find inspiration? Tell me about what's inspiring you right now, and anything new you're looking to for ideas.
GD: I find inspiration in fashion and design. I worked as a visual merchandiser for years, so I am very aware of home furnishing trends. Clothing always intrigues me. I am also curious to see how someone else will pair colors and patterns.
I am also inspired by the landscape of the city. I think this can mostly be seen in the color palette I chose. I am currently working on a cherry blossom motif and some pieces that are restricted to black and white. In addition, I’m branching out into wall pieces. I haven’t painted in a while, and I wanted to combine the two ideas.
OA: You are also a teacher - do you work with students on the creative aspects of their work? Or is it more about giving them the tools and letting creativity take over?
GD: I teach adult and teen classes at Art House, the Orange Art Center and through my studio in the Lake Erie Building. I like to give students the basic concepts and steps in the craft process. I want them to fill in the blanks. I never saw the point in having every student throw the same bowl. The process should be about creative expression. I love to see how a student will interpret the medium.
OA: What do you see changing about the local craft/arts scene here in Cleveland? What are some things you would like to change or evolve?
GD: The arts and craft scene is growing at an exponential rate. I think many artists in the city, both new and long-time residents, realize the potential that Cleveland has to offer. I sometimes get bored and see the same art at every show - I wish we could mix it up a bit. However, the biggest evolution I hope for is that people start realizing the benefits of buying handmade and the impact that is has on our local economy.
Images courtesy of Gina DeSantis.
