Farmer, Lynda
Artist Statement
About twelve years ago, I realized I’d been saying “I’ll get back to clay one of these days” for 20 years! The very next week, I signed up for a clay class at the Benton Center in Corvallis and have been there ever since. It has been one of the great joys in my life…creating, using the medium of clay. I like the way it feels, I like the way it smells, I like the way it waits to be made into something. When I go home and I’ve got clay spattered from my head to my toes, I feel a sense of satisfaction. Probably not unlike an athlete after a long workout, or a singer after a rehearsal. We all have something inside that craves to create. And whether it’s expressed in clay, painting, music, dance, cooking, the sciences, or even caring for others; the drive to create something special, something that makes a difference to someone, something which expresses our hearts and minds, is definitely worth the pursuit.
Over these years, I have found myself focusing more on art than function. Most of my pieces are hand built art for the home…meant to hang on the wall or stand independently, many of which can double for floral arrangement containers or candle sconces. Now, however, I love the idea of making a piece so it has more than one purpose/pleasure. I like to address more than one sense if possible. For instance, if it’s hollow, make it a rattle. If it is free standing, shape it to funnel light upwards or have piercings, so that it can be illuminated and enjoyed that way. Make it to hang on the wall, or be used as serveware. Create work that can go both indoors or out in the garden. Currently, my work is either Raku fired or wood fired. Both distinctly different from each other, but equally unique and beautiful.
I look to nature for my inspiration. This summer, I will be creating towards the process of Anagama woodfire, with particular emphasis on sculptural representations of places we visited in the southwest this past spring. I continue to co-teach at Linn Benton Community College, and occasionally conduct workshops focused on hand building with clay.
I may not have a formal education, but I am a teacher. And I cannot say I am self-taught, as many wonderful people have generously shared their craft with me over the years. I don’t have a studio at home, nor have I had my own exhibits or made a bunch of money. So I’m no one important in the clay world. But working in clay has not only fed my creative monster, it‘s given me years of fun and relaxation and a ton of personal growth. It‘s also brought many precious people into my life. I may not have material riches, but I am truly rich in the things money can’t buy…a sense of accomplishment, dear friends, and joy.
About Lynda Farmer
Growing up, my dad was a pilot in the Air Force, so we moved from place to place. In the early 70’s, we moved to Grants Pass, OR, where my parents still live. One of my strongest childhood memories related to clay is patting mud pies until the water came to the surface and it was all glossy and rich. I didn’t mind being covered in mud even then! During high school, which I didn’t love, I excelled in the arts. I would listen to music (Elton John was my favorite for a long time!), and draw or do crafts in my room. Occasionally my folks would pack the six of us up in our camper and go on road trips all over the nation. The places we got to see, like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Niagara Falls, and Crater Lake, all made me very aware of the beauty of nature. The older I am, the more I appreciate the show this world and it’s heavens puts on for us every single day. Yes, I am inspired to use the forms, textures, and colors in my work. But my ultimate goal is to go bey ond that…to capture the essence of what my eyes see. To give the impression, not a literal translation, of something spectacular. Letting go of expectations is a challenge, but one I’m pursuing with all I’ve got.
I currently co-instruct “Exploration in Clay” classes at Linn Benton Community College (Benton Center) with exceptional potter and good friend Ted Ernst, and provide support as an Instructional Assistant during various other classes as well as Open Lab. I’ve been there for more than 12 years and consider it my “second” home. Great people, great staff, and a great facility all combine to make it a wonderfully unique space developing some outstanding talent.
My husband Bob and I are endeavoring to relocate to Oro Valley, AZ (in the northern part of Tucson). We hope to see that come to fruition before 2010 is out. Until then, we remain Oregonians and enjoy our home in North Albany.
I look forward to my next Anagama experience, which will be in mid-October, with the crew out at Jay Widmer’s Digger Mountain Anagama kiln. I am creating towards that firing and am excited with what I’ve made so far. Look for both functional as well as art pieces later this fall. Until then, I hope you enjoy my work.
Artist Code: LYF
