A Ceramicist Inspired by Nature: On the Ranch with Wren Ceramics
We hold ceramics near and dear to our hearts here at GA. Whether its a coffee cup, a vessel on a shelf, or a decorative bowl, we always find a way to incorporate and celebrate ceramic objects into our everyday. Something that comes from the earth, then is molded by hand and lasts a lifetime is just so special.
We sat down with Rene Norman of Wren Ceramics to talk about her creative processes, philosophy, and how she’s intentional with her relationship to the environment.
How long have you been working with clay?
I have been working with clay for 11 years now. I spent most of my life as a painter but collected pottery. In 2010 I decided to take a pottery class and fell in love with it. I have been doing it ever since.
Do you work in any other mediums?
I started out as a painter and have many paintings in my head that are waiting to come forth….one day I will find the time to let them be born. I also spend time as a massage therapist, feeling the flow of energy with humans and animals. It’s all connected.
Where is your studio?
My creative space is also my home….a small light filled cabin on a ranch in Ojai, CA at the base of the mountains. It is heaven to me! I am surrounded by so much beauty. Nature is my guru. I am in awe and appreciation every day living amongst deer, fox, hawk, horses, bear, bobcat, and more. This habitat nurtures, heals and inspires me.
“Working with clay, literally holding the earth in my hands, is extremely grounding. It shows me to add just the right amount of pressure, but not to force. Working with water and earth together is a great teacher.”
Can you talk about your creative process and philosophy?
My creative process is pretty fluid. Sometimes it is dictated by a commission schedule, i.e. pieces need to be made and/or orders have to be filled. Other days I may be ‘caught up’ but feel the impulse to create anyway. My daily hikes in the morning and at sunset are part of my creative process as they bring to a state of calm for inspiration to flow.
My philosophy is ‘find calm, feel inspiration, then get out of the way and allow. Surrender to the flow.’
Do you ever have creative blocks or feel uninspired?
I rarely feel blocked these days but if I do, I go outside. Nature is my greatest inspiration.
What do you love most about your work? Why clay as a material?
What I love most about my work is that it brings me a deep sense of peace. Working with clay, literally holding the earth in my hands, is extremely grounding. It shows me to add just the right amount of pressure, but not to force. Working with water and earth together is a great teacher. The other thing I love about the work, especially now during COVID, is it feels like it brings peace to others as well. The ‘optimist’ and ‘zenhead’ sculptures have really found their perfect time to be here.
How does sustainability come in to play with your work?
My practices are environmentally friendly in that my materials are quite simple and minimal. Clay, water, glaze, and bits of nature; twigs, branches. I do not use plastic or other materials that are not from the earth.
What are you working towards in the future?
Some future goals are to launch my ‘zen-light’ lamps that are almost ready. I would love to offer some workshops for people to gather with family members or friends. Art is a beautiful way to connect to our spirit and so important right now. And, painting again. I am feeling the call.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
My advice to aspiring artists would be, ‘do what you love, explore, find something that inspires you and just go with it. Allow it to become. You do not have to decide ahead of time. ALLOW. Get out of your own way, and work from the heart.
To see more of Rene’s work, follow her here.
