Dayna Shelburne

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Discovering clay was like a miracle. I have been an avid collector of art and a frustrated artist most of my life. With each medium of art I considered or attempted, nothing came of it. When I first began working with clay I sensed I would be willing and able to do whatever it took to become accomplished. I knew with effort I would become the artist I always felt I could be.

My artistic voice began to surface when I held the earth between my fingers. As I begin each piece I most often do not have a defined plan. The clay seems to guide me. When finished, I study the piece until a feeling begins to emerge. Then somehow the name is born. At times I am surprised my hands allow me to say things that have previously gone unspoken.

My original experience with clay was in class 40 years ago. While everyone else was making bowls I built a house. I did not return to the medium of clay until many years later.

The metaphor of houses and homes has been a recurring theme through out most of my life. The medium clay has allowed me to explore this further. Each structure that I build manifests its own identity. They exemplify the aspects of strength, mystery, and solitude.