Meet the Maker: Kim Maxwell

Nov 18

This month’s Meet the Maker feature is a look into the life of another studio member, Kim Maxwell.

Kim (she/her) makes thrown and handbuilt functional wares that feature sculptural and textural elements. Kim and has been a studio member and student since early 2022. We asked Kim a few questions about her life and process so you can get to know the amazing people who make Hand / Thrown what it is.

HAND / THROWN Tell us a little bit about you!

KIM MAXWELL: I am mostly retired from teaching and practicing as an Occupational Therapist. My art background was invaluable when planning meaningful activities to use ones hands and eyes, and as a way to process and express ones thoughts and emotions. This is what clay has given me, this process and, sometimes, a product.

HT: Tell us a little bit about the style of work you enjoy making most!

KM: I enjoy working with forms for functional pottery I hand build and throw. Surface decoration with sgraffito and underglaze and glaze are favorites.

HT: What originally drew you to working with clay?

KM: My background is in painting, and favorite artists are Childe Hassam, Modigliani, Bonnard and Frankenthaler. I admire their color sense, form and the way I am drawn into the work.

H/ T When did you join the Hand / Thrown community? How long have you been a member / student etc?

KM: After my first class, I was fortunate to nab a membership in 2022. I have been a part of clay studios in central and northern Va, and I felt lucky to find one that felt like home in RVA when I moved here.

HT: What type of clay do you like to work with, why?

KM: I love dark clay, especially red clay, but find myself using white clay when craving bright glazes. I have enjoyed building larger bowls and cylindrical pots with sculptural clay. Basically I haven’t met clay I didn’t like.

HT: Do you have a favorite step within your process?

KM: My favorite part of the creative process? The beginning, when you dream big and the sky is the limit. I find a lot of inspiration in natural forms, especially trees and leaves. I also try to not take myself seriously, and attempt to infuse some quirk or humor into a pottery piece when I can. Art is a way to make sense of what you know and think, and I will always appreciate the solace and joy it brings.

HT: Describe your favorite piece of pottery (currently).

KM: My current favorite potter is LA based Kim Lesak, who creates wonderfully graphic functional stoneware and large outdoor structures. She has inspired me to build a story and design in layers, and I have become interested in exploring more table-top multi-piece work. I have also, out of absolute personal necessity, made animal shaped glasses holders so I can find my glasses when I need them. Apparently this is not an issue unique to me.

HT: What do you enjoy most about being a member at H/T?

KM: I enjoy the community at Hand / Thrown, and learn daily from my clay colleagues. My old beagle Charlie also enjoys the community as several members have become friends of our family. Dogs know good people.