Artists Statement
Michelle C. Johnson
Functional Wheel-Thrown and Hand built Pottery
Michelle Johnson creates functional wheel thrown and hand built pottery. An art minor at The College of William and Mary, she focused on developing skills in many art mediums including oil painting, hand building, wheel throwing and wood sculpture. She continued her study of pottery while attending graduate school at UNC Chapel Hill working towards a Masters in Social Work. Michelle always knew she wanted to use art and creativity in her work with clients. After finishing graduate school she focused heavily on developing her skill in pottery. She took several classes from David Gould at Good Earth Pottery, worked in Clay Makers studio of Durham, NC. Michelle was a member of the Red-Clay Co-op in Carrboro, NC for 2 1/2 years until building her own studio that she is able to work in at home.
She makes bowls, plates, and platters. In addition she creates hand built sushi sets in various designs and styles. Many wheel thrown pieces are adorned with earthy reds and bright turquoise blues. On her hand built pieces she uses handmade stamps of sunflowers, bamboo, and other leafy plants to add decoration, tactile texture and design. She uses bisqued pottery as a canvas to add rich colors and earth tones too.
Michelle is a full-time clinical social worker, and uses pottery as her own therapy. She also uses many artistic therapeutic interventions with her clients. Self-exploration and creativity can inspire healing.
Functional Wheel-Thrown and Hand built Pottery
Michelle Johnson creates functional wheel thrown and hand built pottery. An art minor at The College of William and Mary, she focused on developing skills in many art mediums including oil painting, hand building, wheel throwing and wood sculpture. She continued her study of pottery while attending graduate school at UNC Chapel Hill working towards a Masters in Social Work. Michelle always knew she wanted to use art and creativity in her work with clients. After finishing graduate school she focused heavily on developing her skill in pottery. She took several classes from David Gould at Good Earth Pottery, worked in Clay Makers studio of Durham, NC. Michelle was a member of the Red-Clay Co-op in Carrboro, NC for 2 1/2 years until building her own studio that she is able to work in at home.
She makes bowls, plates, and platters. In addition she creates hand built sushi sets in various designs and styles. Many wheel thrown pieces are adorned with earthy reds and bright turquoise blues. On her hand built pieces she uses handmade stamps of sunflowers, bamboo, and other leafy plants to add decoration, tactile texture and design. She uses bisqued pottery as a canvas to add rich colors and earth tones too.
Michelle is a full-time clinical social worker, and uses pottery as her own therapy. She also uses many artistic therapeutic interventions with her clients. Self-exploration and creativity can inspire healing.
