I was not a “natural” at ceramics.  As my college art advisor tenderly told me during freshman year, my “talent is lacking, nee, nonexistent.”  So, in 1982, with a political science degree in hand, I took the only job I could find – bartending. Tired of starving, I went to law school and spent the next two decades as an employment lawyer, most recently as head employment counsel for a Fortune 500 financial services company. Laid off in early 2002, I returned to ceramics to find a less rigid form of expression. 

I joined Ruby’s Clay Studio & Gallery, where Ruby’s artists-in-residence and members so generously share their artistry.  My current focus is on high-fire forms, both functional wheel-thrown and hand built.  But when I need to take a break, I like making porcelain miniatures. I move between the exacting application of Cone 5 glazes and the less predictable results of Cone 10 glazes, striving to create art that is warm and personal and entices the viewer to touch. Several art shows later, my post-corporate recovery period continues! 

My ceramics are also influenced by my work as an animal-care volunteer, and my business as a professional HR consultant and trainer. When I make pottery, I am celebrating my incredible joy to work so closely with magnificent animals. In turn, my education as naturalist and conservationist and the freedom of expression I learn from pottery are evident in the creativity I bring to clients to provide them with unique and quality professional experiences.

Teapot Show, Ruby's Clay Studio & Gallery, April 2003

Holiday Show, Ruby's Clay Studio & Gallery, Dec 2003

Vases, Pots and Tulips, Ruby's Clay Studio & Gallery Oct 2004

Holiday Show, Ruby's Clay Studio & Gallery, Dec 2004

Xar Exhibition, Xar Salon, Dec 2004

Second Focus, Ruby's Clay Studio & Gallery, March 2006

Marin Open Studios, May 2006  http://marinarts.org/mac_stage/html/art/02542.htm

Hand Built and Wheel Thrown Ceramics.  Instructor: Hideo, Univ. of Vermont 1978 - 1982

Wheel Throwing. Instructor: Matt Zachary.  March - April 2002

Wheel Throwing.  Instructor:  Judy Watts.  May - June 2002 

Glaze Formulation.  Instructor:  Bud Lourdan.  Oct - Dec 2005

Glaze Techniques at Cone 5.  Instructors: Shelley Simon, Barb Vanderbeck   April 2006

 

bowls      miniature teapots     frog plates     tripods      other

 

If you are looking for Barrie Gross Consulting, a premier provider of workforce training and human resources consulting services, click here: www.barriegrossconsulting.com