Statement

I work in clay to create both functional and sculptural pieces. Using wheel-throwing, hand-building and sculpting techniques, I often combine these methods to achieve unique effects. I use a variety of firing processes, including electric kiln, soda kiln, wood kiln, pit-firing and raku. Animals and plants are a recurring subject in my work, as I am drawn to the organic forms found in nature. I might spotlight a particular plant or animal that I find interesting, perhaps because it is endangered or just under-appreciated. Stories also can inspire my sculptural work, in which there is sometimes humor, sometimes mystery, and sometimes more serious commentary. I really enjoy the creative process, through which my ideas go from concept to reality… then I enjoy sharing my work with others.

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Betsy Vaden – Red Clay Co-op – Ceramic Arts Studio

Bio

Betsy Vaden is a ceramic artist and potter living in Chapel Hill, N.C. She is a member of the Red Clay Co-op, the Orange County Artists Guild, the Clayworks Guild and the Durham Arts Guild.

As a Design major at Duke University, Betsy was trained in drawing, painting and printmaking. Early in her career Betsy taught art, but later became fascinated with clay and the endless possibilities it provided. She has participated in workshops with nationally recognized ceramic artists and potters, such as Ruth Ann Tudball, Kathy Triplett, Don Davis,, Leah Leitson, Silvie Granatelli, Michael Sherrill, Alan Bennett, Julia Galloway, Dina Wilde-Ramsing, Akira Satake, Alice Ballard, Debra Fritts, Lisa Clague, Nancy Kubale, Adrian Arleo and Michelle Gregor.

Betsy’s work has been shown at FRANK Gallery in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough Gallery of Art, the Garage Gallery in Charlotte, Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor, GreenHill Center for NCArt in Greensboro, the Tin Roof Gallery in Highlands, the Artists in Cahoots Gallery in Lexington, Va., Bank of the Arts in New Bern, the Captain White House in Graham, Studio E Gallery in Jupiter, Fla. and the Clay Centre in Carrboro. Her work also has been shown at various juried and invitational shows, and in her studio during the annual Orange County Artists Guild Open Studio Tour. During the month of December, you can see Betsy’s “Three French Hens” at the Carolina Inn’s Twelve Days of Christmas display in Chapel Hill.

Three French Hens