Insight into the creative process

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Tracy at work using her pottery wheel.

Tracy Marlor

Medium: Pottery

Member of Granby Artists since: 2010. I have learned and grown as an artist by sharing knowledge with such an incredibly talented pool of local artists.

Membership in other artist organizations: I am also a member of Expressions Pottery Workshop in East Granby where 55 local potters share a cooperative space honing their skills.

What made you choose your primary medium?

I have had my hands in clay on and off for over 40 years! My adventure began back in high school when I took pottery as an elective and was intrigued by the potter’s wheel—once I sat at that wheel I was hooked. Working with clay honestly just captured my interest, the diversity of what you can make and how the pieces can be finished is infinite. Exploring the opportunities this medium presents has been an integral part of my life ever since and I have barely scratched the surface.

I grew up gardening with my mother and continue to work in the garden to this day. I find that working with my hands and the organic nature of clay has many similarities to working in the garden. My love of the outdoors shows up frequently in my work as I integrate impressions of nature often in the form of leaves, shells, birds, and sea creatures into my pieces. Nature’s rich palette of colors from the blues of the sky and ocean, the deep colors of summer flowers and the rich autumn hues are reproduced in the glazes that adorn my pieces.

What is the most exciting aspect of being an artist?

With the medium of clay, I can make almost anything. Although I am primarily a utilitarian potter—making pieces that can be used in everyday life—I love that I can create pieces for the sheer purpose of bringing joy to others. Everything from jewelry, holiday ornaments, piggy banks, lamps, lanterns, vases, sculpture—the possibilities are endless. Sharing my pottery and seeing others enjoy the pieces inspires me to continue expanding my skills and trying new things.

Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years?

I hope to make time in the next few years to explore making pieces that are more artistic in nature and entering local competitions. This will take me outside of my comfort zone and help me to continue to grow as an artist. Along these lines I will look to the beauty of Granby for inspiration.

Any other comments you want readers to know about you.

I genuinely appreciate the warm support of the Granby community and from those who reach out to me for gifts for important events in their lives. Granby is a special place and I feel very fortunate to be able to call this beautiful town my home.

Taking inspiration from the garden, floral motifs adorn one of Tracy’s mugs. Submitted photos

Katherine at work in her studio. Submitted photos

Katherine Tolve

Email: Katherinetolve@gmail.com

Instagram: @progressivepatterns

Website: progressive-patterns.com

Member of Granby Artists since: 2018 Shortly after moving to Granby I met my very first neighbor who was coincidentally the president of GAA. A few short months later, in the fall of 2018, I had my portfolio review and became an official member.

What made you choose your primary medium? Do you work in other mediums?

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.” No one ever mentions the last part of this saying. When attending art school over 10 years ago I had a difficult time deciding on a major. Painting, photography, glass and sculpture were all equally exciting to me. Inevitably I chose to major in my first love, painting. Throughout the years my interests in other mediums have hijacked their way into my artworks and I inescapably embraced my identity as a mixed-media artist. I find inspiration in combining unlikely materials such as cross stitch, buttons, string, encaustic, resin and beads. My work varies in size and subject matter, but they all share a common thread of unique color, texture and exploration.

Does Granby have an influence on your art?

Absolutely! Living in Granby has provided me endless inspiration. I have devoted entire body of work to nature-inspired images and have often felt the urge to create pieces that express my connection to the natural world.

What is your most exciting aspect of being an artist?

Connecting with other artists and creatives. My friends are very interesting, unique, and inspiring individuals.

Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years?

Make my work more accessible through exhibitions, social media platforms, and a new and improved website.

Do you take art classes, workshops and or do you teach your craft?

A self-described experimental painter, I have developed a vast knowledge of fine art mediums and techniques allowing me to teach a variety of classes for children and adults, I currently offer homeschool art classes and private art lessons from my Silkey Road art studio. I travel the state teaching workshops at libraries and other venues and I occasionally make teaching appearances at the Granby Senior Center.

Are you a member of other art organizations? If so, which?

Over the years I have collaborated with many local nonprofit organizations including the Greater Hartford Arts Council, Manchester Arts Association, and Windsor Art Center.

Any other comments you want readers to know about you.

I am currently preparing for an exhibition at the Phelps Hathaway House in Suffield titled “It’s the Little Things in Life” with an opening reception on May 7, 1 to 4 p.m.

Mixed-media work titled: “Burning while the World is Turning.”