Olinda Everett

I build by hand using mostly stoneware clay, sometimes porcelain. Normally I will use slips and stains and mostly I glaze in the final firing. Although most of my work can be used and is food safe (except for some sculptural pieces), this is not the primary concern of what I do.  The surface treatment is my most important area of experimentation and expression.   I am drawn to imagery from pre-literate cultures and am mindful of how the person responds to, and is shaped by, events. How there is a shared humanity from ancient times reaching to the future.  I enjoy the rhythm and flow of pattern, responding to the material and I also am very clear that good craftsmanship enables execution of ideas and I work hard to improve my standards.  I like to think that the viewers of my work add their own interpretation to a piece and perhaps it beings them new thoughts.  I remain faithful to the idea that my work will progress if I keep faith with my Portuguese roots and my own life experience.   In a word, I play with this wonderful material that is clay, seriously and with intent, and I hope you like my stuff.”