Clay Speaks of Odyssey's “Living Forms, Narrative Pieces”

ASHEVILLE – Like Leonardo da Vinci, Lindsay Pichaske began her artistic career with a physician’s curiosity about the human body.

Pichaske studied to be a doctor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before beginning her life in clay. “My figures invoke a sense of morbid curiosity, making you wonder what sort of traumas they have experienced,” the potter said.

A former resident of Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Pichaske gives back to the pottery community when she teaches “Living Forms, Narrative Pieces,” every Monday from August 20 to October 6. Students will use slabs, pinched forms, slip casting and molds to create narrative sculptures that can hang on the wall or stand on their own during this class.

Strongly influenced by what she calls the “creepy world of childhood,” Pichaske will teach basic sculpting techniques and explore how animals, figures and natural forms in clay tell stories. Her own figures challenge preconceived ideas, “their loaded stares, sullen power and fine features confront you with dual discomfort and magnetism,” she said.

“Living Forms, Narrative Pieces” is suitable for all levels and will be inspirational for all types of sculptural work, according to Odyssey Director Cynthia Lee. “Lindsay’s exuberant and cheerful personality will make this class a joy. Students will be intrigued by the strange contrast she embraces,” Lee said.

For more information about Odyssey classes and workshops, visit the center at 236 Clingman Avenue in the River Arts District, call (828) 85-0210, e-mail odyssey@highwaterclays.com or visit Highwater’s Web site at: http://www.highwaterclays.com.