Barbara SEBASTIAN
Born: 1942, San Diego CA
Medium: Ceramics

I grew up as an athlete in Swimming/Diving competitions, but I was always doing some kind of art. Eventually, I entered San Diego State in 1960, then transferred to UC Berkeley in 1962, majoring in Math and Physical Education. Upon graduating I became a High School teacher in San Bruno, CA and coached girls gymnastic teams for 8 years.

I mentioned to a colleague, who was teaching pottery in the art department, that I had always wanted to learn to throw. She offered to show me after school and I ended up loving the entire process.  As a result in 1975 I decided to give up teaching and become a full-time artist, mostly in ceramics.  Eventually, I returned to school to obtain my Masters in Fine Arts Degree at San Jose State University.

I work with clay because it is an art medium that is truly limitless.  Clay is both flexible and strong, capable of both abstract and realistic expression, it can be both functional and decorative. Working with clay the possibilities are endless.

Throwing the wheel, I feel the dynamic interaction between me, the artist, and the medium, clay – it is truly centering. I feel the push and the pull of the clay, its resistance and pliability.  As I submerge myself in the creative process, I delight in the result.

There was an experience I had in Kyoto, Japan, that has had a strong influence on my recent work.  Just before leaving Japan, I saw a raven grab a persimmon and play with it.  After some time, I was inspired to create raven and persimmon sculptures and even teapots.  It was truly an exercise in surrendering to the creative process and realizing that the potter’s wheel was an amazing tool. This moment in Japan had an unexpected influence on my work.  The birds and the clay that created them led me on an unexpected, ever-evolving path.

In my art, I believe in beauty and spirit, and hope to touch each viewer in ways that expand their vision and fill their hearts as it does mine. I honor the process.