On Friday, April 10, 2015 the Colusa County Arts Council held an artist reception for Whitney Smith, a pottery maker and artist from Oakland, California.
A longtime friend of Colusa resident, Patti Tauscher, Smith said she grew up in a community similar to Colusa.
“I grew up in Moses Lake, Washington, and it was very similar to Colusa, a small, rural farming community,” said Smith.
At a young age, Smith later moved away from Moses Lake and perused her life in pottery.
“I had an instant rapport with clay, and I spent my first years as a potter single-mindedly pursuing a mastery and understanding of my new love,” said Smith.
The work shown at the Colusa County Arts Gallery is something different for Smith.
“I have migrated from my traditional, clean, perfect, work,” said Smith, “I have allowed myself to be a little more wild, and creative.”
Smith also commented that her work tends to be imperfect and that some of those imperfections is what drives her.
“It’s hard to pick out my favorite piece as they all have something that I may like. It may be the lines, the colors, the shape, each one is unique,” said Smith.
Smith’s work has been shown and collected across the United States, as well as internationally. She has been featured in DIY magazine, Martha Stewart Magazine, Sunset Magazine, Modern Bridal and many more.
In addition to her one-of-a-kind work, she makes a production line that is sold in boutiques throughout the country and also designs a line under her own name that is produced overseas. Smith has been invited to be an artist-in-residence in Japan and France.
However, Smith focuses on selling directly to the consumer.
“I have migrated away from the commercial aspect of my work and allowing myself to be more creative for my customers,” said smith.
Smith’s work will be on display until the end of April, at the Colusa County Arts Council Gallery located at 430 Market St., in Colusa. Smith’s display work is also available for purchase.
