Artist Spotlight: Laura Caroline Casas

About Laura

"My very first introduction to clay was with my dad on the Albemarle Sound where I grew up. He taught me how to make little animals from the clay deposits along the shore. I didn’t think anything of it until taking my first ceramics class in 2016. Since then, I was enamoured with the process and how there were so many things to discover and learn from the craft."

Visit Laura's Portfolio

Q: What inspires your work or keeps you excited in the studio?

A: "I think back to the films I was inspired by as a kid learning to draw; animated movies with lots of texture and color from the 90s where every frame was handpainted. I think of the illustrations on my pots as a small clip of some larger feeling or moment that I am trying to process. It is exciting to work out the composition and find just the right layout - using color to bring it all together."

Q: What is your favorite AMACO product and why?

A: "Although the Liquid Underglazes are a staple in my process, I find myself recommending the AMACO SMUGs, the Semi-Moist Underglazes the most! They are so versatile.I primarily decorate my illustrated pots at the greenware phase to establish a good base of color. Using the SMUGs after bisque allows me to add another layer - for texture and depth. I also use the SMUGs as its own primary decorating medium by layering them on top of a stable base glaze like the AMACO Satin Mattes or the AMACO Celadons."

Q: Any advice you'd give to someone just starting out with clay?

A: "All ideas start in your head, but don’t get stuck there! When I hit a creative block, I find it helpful to make something simple and low effort like test tiles or small pinchpots. These items allow me to keep moving forward, without pressuring myself or thinking too hard about it."