When it comes to pottery in Charlotte NC, artist Debra Farnum creates some of the best.
There is no question that nature has inspired works of art across every time and place. Some of the earliest Stone Age art depicted animals and nature scenes painted on the walls of caves. Today, the fascination with nature, and even the use of stone in art remains. Charlotte stoneware artist Debra Farnum specializes in functional ceramics inspired by living things, both the normal and the fantastical. She creates unique, wheel-thrown porcelain ware.
Here, she walks us through some of her influences and inspirations, how her family helps her creative process, and the journeys she has gone on to further her craft.
What drew you to creating art initially?
Ever since I was little I have always loved creating and drawing specifically. My favorite class was art. I love the way it feels to create. After I graduated with a degree in book-making and print-making, I discovered ceramics. There was a studio around the corner from where I lived. They offered minimal wheel instruction and encouraged us to continuously practice in order to grow in our abilities.
Where do you find your inspiration or sparks for new ideas?
We spend our summers on a little island in a 130-year-old cottage. Most of my inspiration comes from our time there by the sea. It is a special time for our family. My children are a big source of my inspiration. Their playful spirits and imaginations are always up for adventure and seeing the positive in the world around them.
Is creating your art a full-time pursuit, or do you do other work as well?
I used to work in my studio full-time. Over the past few years, I have used my love of design and home into real estate. I am a realtor with Helen Adams Realty. I also teach fine arts at a private school here in Charlotte.
What’s the environment you create in?
I have a studio just behind our home. It is my sanctuary. I play music, but love to create alone. My children will often join me in the studio to create alongside me. I cherish my time in the studio. It is so rejuvenating.
What do you hope to do with your art and future career creating pottery in Charlotte NC?
I hope to continue to work collaboratively with the talent Charlotte has to offer. I am working on larger pieces that I hope to showcase locally over the next year. It’s an honor to have been selected by ASC as a Creative Rejuvenation Fellow for 2022-2023. I will be traveling to Norway (where my father was born) to gather inspiration, and to visit private studios and galleries exhibiting ceramic work.
Debra’s pieces found on her website are often one-of-a-kind and sell quickly, a testament to the appeal of her simple and elegant ceramic style. Both the casual shopper and art enthusiast alike will find something to fancy in her gallery, whether it’s a set of dishes themed after birch trees, or a black and white octopus adorning a coffee mug for those who love the sea.
Her work can be found at shopgoldenandgrey.com. She takes commissions, including pet portraits on handmade plates and mugs.
