JCCFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your background in your medium? How did you get started?

SB:I have a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY where I flunked my first pottery class. It was overwhelming, too much info, too little instruction. I persevered and went on to get a minor in ceramics along with my degree in art education. This was so important to my understanding as a teacher that leading students through the tiny complexities of clay is crucial.

I have always “taught” in my head as I work. It keeps me focused and since I do teach a lot it helps me to not miss the little steps.

I also take classes way outside of my field so I know what it feels like to be a beginner, to not know the lingo, to speak up and ask for clarification. John Campbell has given me the opportunity to explore felt hat making, pine needle baskets, silver smithing, cloisonne, glass bead making, silver clay and enameling. I’m taking a quilt class this September! I can’t wait to indulge my fabric addiction.

JCCFS: Tell us more about your class’s specific technique or process.

SB: I don’t hold back. If I can pass on a tip, a trick, a technique I know my students will take those and run with it. You will get all I have in our class.

Currently I am working with underglaze decoration but love teaching surface design of all sorts. Most of us have learned to throw and dip glaze. But I know that in many hearts there lurks a burning desire to decorate. I will take you through the design process from form to finish. If you already have drawing skills, great. If you don’t we will explore transfer techniques that will have you looking like a pro in no time.

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave your class with?

SB: Ornaments are so fun and make great gifts as well as warming your home with handmade objects. As I do in my tile classes and box building classes we will delve into multiple surface design techniques. These will be a great addition to your decorating skills for all your pottery. You should be able to take home a pile of ornaments to brighten your holidays.

JCCFS: Anything else we should know about your, your class, or your practice? 

SB: We will be working in low fire clay(cone 05 to 06) and low fire glazes. I love the colors available and the economical and ecological advantages. But, I will go over how to translate all these techniques into high fire or mid-range firing and I look forward to seeing what you do with them at your home studios.

JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect of the John C. Campbell Folk School? What do you most look forward to when coming back to teach on our campus?

SB: Everything! I’ve been teaching at the Folk School for over ten years. Every year I look forward to the place, the food, the craft shop. But mostly it’s the people, staff and students who have such enthusiasm for their chosen craft and for every craft on campus. Everyone is having fun! I get energized just thinking about being there. Being close to nature, close to mountains reminds me of home in the Catskill mountains of NY. The air!

JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

SB: My Father was an illustrator and wildlife artist. He was always pointing out the patterns in everything we see. And doodling was medicine for him. He was never without a pen or pencil. I love the work I do now as it really is glorified doodling.

Folk school is such a great place to absorb the visuals that work their way into my surface design. Line work and color, form and function. It all seeps into us as we are exposed to nature and the amazing artistry around us at Folk School.

JCCFS: What’s one piece or craft object you’ve made recently that you are proud of, and why?

SB: Actually, I love bowl forms and have been playing with upside down, stacked, tiny bowls for ornaments that remind me of chimes. Of course, they are black and white and have lots of pattern on them. I “discovered” a very cool way to make them with tiny plaster hump molds. I’ll be bringing those in December!

JCCFS: What tips would you give a student or aspiring craftsperson? Anything you wish you had known earlier in your career?

SB: Persevere. Remember I mentioned that I flunked my first pottery class in college? Well, I went back and with the help of some amazing teachers found my way to a life long career as a potter. Make friends with older potters, they know so much! And most are more than willing to share that knowledge. My mentor and best friend for over 50 years is still working as a craftsperson. She has taught me so much. And wonder of wonders, I’ve taught her a thing or two too.

JCCFS: Where can folks find you if they want to stay up to date on your work? 

SB: I am not great about posting and I only sell wholesale through IndieMe.com, Facebook and on mcraeartstudios.art. I am a member of a group studio of 22 working artists. Its an amazing place to work with and around painters, printers, potters and more. They are a very professional group, always willing to give an opinion or info to keep each other going. I am also in the JCCFS Craft Shop. Love that place.