2024 Studio Artists
Grace Eun Mi Lee
I am interested in things that are unnoticed and appear to have little or no significance on a regular basis. As we strive to do better, we often become oblivious to things that surround us. Using forms inspired by microorganisms, I want to emphasize the importance of the individuality and the collective entity. The creatures are inter-connection of real and imagined existence. By taking the time to observe and give our attention to these small details, we are soon faced with another form of existence waiting for our recognition. My work is presented in a monumental presence through an accrual of small imaginative elements.
Lesa Fleet
Much of her work was — and is — influenced by her love for nature. In 2004, she began to design a series of leaf-imprinted ceramics, as well as jewelry made from fresh-water pearls. She offered her work for sale, first at the 17 th Street Farmer’s Market, and later at the South of the James Market.
Today, she works out of her home studio and at Shockoe Bottom Clay studios creating a wide range of decorative and functional pottery. Her love for creation goes into each vessel she shapes.
Josh Singleton
To reconnect with my heritage and identity, I create utilitarian ceramics which address the intersectional relations of my Korean-American background and the foods I eat. Throughout my struggles with reclaiming my ethnic identity, food and art have become an anchor. I discovered ceramics to be an ideal medium as it is inextricably tied to food culture, in both Korean and Western traditions. The forms, decorations, and glaze I use reflect historic Korean ceramics. I’ve repurposed floral and nature motifs to tell my own story through ceramics and food. I hope by sharing my experience, others caught between two cultures can be inspired to share their own.
Josh Singleton is a Korean-American ceramic artist. He received his BFA with an emphasis on ceramics from West Virginia University. He currently lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Susan Gaible
Today many ceramic artists focus on the art rather than the function. For me the pleasure is entwining visual images and designs into functional ware. This heightens the pleasure and enjoyment one can have from the simple everyday experiences of eating and entertaining. I’m all about food so to introduce an element that extends my creativity into the entire dining experience brings a lot of joy and personal satisfaction.
Mark Koslow
Mark is a local Richmond ceramic artist who is known for his one-of-a-kind bowls and vases. He is passionate about creating ‘arts and craft’ style vases, cups and bowls with reticulate glaze and needle nose vases. Mark started his career as a woodworker creating clocks, furniture and turning bowls. Mark has been known to say “One slip of a chisel and a wood bowl is history. Clay is forgiving and allows for limitless exploration and creativity!”
Jane Martin
Wallflowers first bloomed in my imagination as the result of my fascination with flowers and an inexplicable need to decorate my functional ceramic ware. I put tulips on pitchers and daffodils on vases. Alas, however, the daffodil seemed inadequate– a poor facsimile of the actual flowers the vase was meant to hold. For how can one improve on nature? In addition, my delicate flowers seemed misplaced on vessels one meant to use. I began to realize they were better suited to be regarded and enjoyed out of harm’s way–on a wall.
All on their own, affixed to a tile, they became a sort of whimsical study of their natural counterparts. Working in a way that is entirely decorative rather than functional, I have gleaned horticultural inspiration from my own garden, as well as from the botanical prints and “flower portraits” of the 19th century, which have always fascinated me. Other influences include an obsession with vintage textiles as evidenced in the hand-painted and stenciled background of my tiles.
Wallflowers are my tribute to the real thing–those garden beauties which never fail to bring us joy and make us smile. My goal is to capture their charm; to surprise and to delight!
David Rummel
A potter from North West Ohio, after completing his BFA in 2020, he continued his pottery practice in his basement studio. In 2022, David moved to Richmond, VA to attend Virginia Commonwealth University as a Post-Baccalaureate. Upon completion, he joined Shockoe Bottom Clay and began volunteering at the Visual Arts Center. David creates functional pottery, utilizing the wheel to shape his forms. His work is altered, the surfaces are decorated, and glaze is applied to enhance the decorations or form. David employs various techniques to develop the pottery he creates, using ribs, stamps, and knives. He works intuitively, responding to the form and adding marks where they fit. David is currently a full time artist producing work to apply to shows and support his craft.
