Kelly Long

I’ve been an artist my entire life, I just didn’t know it.  I have always appreciated art and was an Art History major in college. After school, I joined corporate America as a communication consultant and stayed for many years – dabbling in art on the side. After adopting my younger daughter, I decided I needed some “me” time and enrolled in a handbuilding class at Clayworks – my local pottery studio. I was hooked and would sneak to the studio whenever I had the chance, telling my husband my new pottery habit was much cheaper than therapy. 

I have continued taking pottery classes at my community studio in Charlotte, NC to develop my skills as well as find my “voice” as a ceramic artist. I left corporate America, went back to school and now work with special needs children as an occupational therapy assistant. I incorporate pottery into my work on a daily basis with my children – building up hand and finger strength through rolling coils and making pinch pots.

 Artist Statement

Most of my work is decorative in nature. My pieces are handbuilt using red earthenware clay and glazed using an ancient technique called terra sigillata. I use batik fabric stamps, handmade stamps as well as my great-grandmother’s lace doilies to give my pieces movement and texture. 
The reason texture is so important to me is the same reason that I’m drawn to pottery as a medium. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, it serves a function. I have a visually impaired daughter and I work at an afterschool program for visually impaired children. A couple years ago, we went to the Bechtler Museum and took a tour. The children were allowed (and encouraged) to touch several of the pieces in the museum. I realized that through touch, they were able to experience the art. I want my pieces to be the same – I want people to experience my work through sight and touch.