Patti Warashina

Patti Warashina


I have always loved Patti Warashina's work. Much of the imagery in her work is mocking of the status quo, working against stereotypes and preconceived notions of women and challenging people to think about the world they live in. Masterfully handled, her use of clay and ceramic glaze defies the usual limitations one might think apply to the medium. Patti Warashina has created a lifetime of thought provoking work. Truly a unique voice in the field of ceramic sculpture, Patti has carved out an important place in the history of ceramic art. It might surprise you to know that she started out like many clay sculptors actually making pots; beautiful, full bodied, delicately decorated, masterfully made pots.

Jim and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend an afternoon with Patti Warashina. When we arrived Patti took us to a cozy little bistro for lunch. While we were there, we got to hear some of the history of her evolution: her early years in her hometown of Spokane (an artistic vacuum), her discovery of clay at the University of Washington (she was hooked), her marriage to, and subsequent divorce from Fred Bauer (she has two beautiful daughters), her eventual discovery of low fire clay, bright glazes and lusters, her love of Funk, her interest in Surrealism and then, eventually, her position teaching at the University of Washington with Robert Sperry, and Howard Kottler. Together, they developed one of the most important ceramic departments in the country at the UW School of Art + Art History + Design. She recounted how Sperry wanted to get married. She didn't. It took over 5 years of asking but she finally said yes. It is clear that it was a very dynamic union until his death in 1998.


After a few hours, we returned to Patti's studio and house and she took us on a tour. We first entered her workspace which was spacious and full of current work, most of which were drawings. Patti started as a painter and it was clear she is now enjoying getting back to painting and drawing again. There were clay sculptures too, waiting to be completed. One that she was working on was a tall form of a woman that was nearly finished. It looked like a beautiful and solemn spirit from another world speaking softly into an unknown and unseen dimension. Departing the workspace we descended into what was at one time her husband's studio but is now used as an exhibition space and packing space. There is a beautiful mural on the wall painted by her husband, Robert Sperry. That wall now serves as a powerful backdrop for her large sculptures and in many ways keeps him present. 




Patti then invited us into her archives, which trace the history of her work; from traditional pots, to bright and colorful funk objects, to thought-provoking and very animated sculptures. We were truly in Patti's vault and felt privileged to see the actual evolution of such an important artist. It was a visual feast with commentary from Patti on every piece; what she was thinking at the time and why she made it.  I was most amused by her car sculptures. "Car kiln" is a personal favorite. It was while she was working on this series that she perfected her use of the human form. In the beginning, it was intimidating for her but she worked through the challenge. Through Patti's determination and hard work, she has created some of the best known and most revered clay sculpture in the world. 

Patti's home is near her studio. She has a diverse collection of her own work and the work of other artists. There are various colorful folk art objects from around the world interspersed with the work. You can see how these objects feed her imagination and how some of the imagery is similar to things you see in her work. These objects are universal expressions of surprise, joy, calm, prayer and humor.



Patti has a vast and profound vocabulary in clay. From years of working and experimenting, glazing and firing all kinds of clay work, she has freed herself to make exactly what she wants. Her work is exhilarating, her work is mysterious, her work is thought-provoking, and, her work is hilarious. These are also all the things Patti is. She brings the power of these emotions and thoughts to her work which transforms the viewer. It makes you smile, it makes you raise an eyebrow, it makes you sigh, it makes you laugh out loud and then it makes you want to see more. Patti is like that too! It's hard to get enough of her.

This all began with a slab. Jim was asked by Patti to help make slabs on a Bailey 30" Slabroller for her demonstration/presentation at NCECA last spring. This led to our visit to her place in Seattle last week and our unimaginably delightful and enlightening afternoon together.



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