Helen Otterson's Pottery Collection

Why I buy Pottery...an interview.

Helen's Lisa York Arts Pots

About Helen:  
"I’m a maker, teacher and an athlete."
 

What Kind of art work do you Collect? 
"My kitchen cabinets are filled with handmade pottery which I use daily. I have a collection of sculptural ceramics as well."
 

Why do you buy handmade pottery?
 "I buy hand made pottery because I am attracted to the marriage of form and function of a piece or the decorative technique used to make it. Others I buy because they are aesthetically pleasing to me. My collection can act as inspiration in my work as well it allows me to share a variety of works that my students can physically interact with.
Handmade pottery brings beauty and design to my home.  My collection is a daily reminder of the friends I have made, the places I have lived, and residencies I have done. The pieces spark the memories of people, place, and stories. One piece may evoke how I met the potter or a period of time I spent with the potter or memories of events with friends. Other pieces remind me of trips I have taken when I acquired the piece.
Additionally, I like to cook. When entertaining, I choose pieces that enhance the presentation of the meal.  When dinning solo, I may choose piece for its function or its beauty. I enjoy using a bowl that holds the right amount of yogurt, ice cream or rice bowl. In winter, I use certain mugs that retain heat, keeping my hands warm as well as my drink."
 
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How did you acquire a Lisa York piece of pottery:
"I acquired my vase, bowl, and pitcher from Lisa when she was a graduate student at North Dakota State University."
 

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