#madewithabailey Interview with Shoshona Snow

Shoshona Snow has been working in clay since her days as a student at our nearby SUNY New Paltz. She is also a long-time Bailey Showroom Customer. We caught up with Shoshona for a brief interview after she used the hashtag, #MadeWithaBailey on Instagram. Here, she talks about what inspires her intricately carved, and high-contrast, whimsical ceramics.

1. How did you get started working in clay?

I was in my first year towards my BFA in Metals at SUNY New Paltz when my ceramics professor hunted me down at my work study job and suggested I seriously rethink my future. I loved metal but there was something that came out of me when I worked with clay. The purity and connection I felt using my hands, fingers, touch...creating something without any tools at all. I changed my major and here I am 2 decades later.

2. What Bailey products do you use to make your work and how do they help?

Ive always had Bailey Kilns. They are real workhorses and easy to maintain. And though Im mostly a wheel throwing lady, my Mini-Might Tabletop Slab Roller is so convenient. Small enough to tuck away if I need the extra space in the studio or pack in the car to bring with me to workshops.

3. Whats a tool that you could you not live without?

My hands?! Haha! Is that a cop out?? I guess Ill say my carving tools.

4. What inspires you?

History inspires me. My parents and grandparents are antique dealers and collectors. I spent my whole childhood around objects from the past. That included A LOT of early American stoneware (and they almost all had birds on them!!). I spent a lot of time thumbing through their catalogs, going to antique shows and museums. When I later found myself in a college library filled with the complete history of ceramics, Id spend hours upon hours researching. Nature inspires me. Animals, patterns, and textures. And the medium itself inspires me. I love pushing the limits of the material. Ive been working with clay for over 20 years and I still am humbled when a piece cracks or a glaze crawls. Clay keeps me present, grounded and living the moment.

5. When youre not creating ceramics, what do you enjoy doing?

Im an outdoorswoman. Hiking, camping, gardening... Theres been fresh air in my lungs and dirt under my nails since birth. And enjoy raising my little girl the same way.