We sat down with Molly White, Orlando-based ceramicist and woodworker, to see what drives her creativity and how she has developed her style. She fills a unique role in her community as one who specializes in violin-family instrument repair. With Mélangez, a small production company that she started with Kathryn Tosh, she organizes intimate salon performances in the Central Florida area and if that wasn't enough to impress, she is also a VEER co-founder.
What led you to work with ceramics?
I started taking beginning wheel classes in January of 2019. I was going through some big life changes and the therapeutic nature of immersing myself in an art class appealed to me. I plodded along rather slowly with classes, happily churning out clunky cat and dog food bowls.
2020 became my turning point. The world was in chaos and I felt like I could no longer trust the stability of my former life as it was. The group ceramic classes were suspended due to the pandemic, so I purchased my own wheel, created a dedicated art space in my home, and invested in one-on-one lessons with local ceramic artist, Belinda Glennon. This propelled me along to a new level of development and experience. I saw style and design emerge.
Which materials fascinate you the most besides clay? Are there any materials that you have not worked with that you would like to try?
Oh yes. Metals and minerals. I hope to one day dive into metalsmithing and jewelry design, as well as metal sculpture. Aside from metals, I would like to learn more about mineral-derived natural pigments. I use a handful of mineral and organic-derived pigments with my violin work, but there are so many incredible colors to investigate. I enjoy learning the history of the development of pigments, as well as how to mix and use them as paints.
Do you have a dream project that you would like to realize someday?
Yes. I have begun work on a larger-scale ceramic sculpture that is an homage to
Ruth Asawa's looped wire sculpture. I find a great deal of creative inspiration from her work.
What have you learned about yourself from your work in ceramics?
I have a thirst for learning more - I don't want to ONLY do it, I want to UNDERSTAND it. I want to learn more about glaze chemistry and the different firing techniques, as well as how my life story might materialize in my design and style. Additionally, I have learned powerful life-lessons because of ceramics - Nothing is permanent, nor is it perfect... accept and love the variations and don't get too attached because you can't control the outcome.
What does VEER mean to you?
To me, Veer is a fresh and supportive retail collaboration between a handful of humans that I truly admire and love. It is a place where independent artists are celebrated for their individuality.
What made you want to create VEER Collective?
The concept of Veer started during the early days of the pandemic; Two friends dreaming about changing course and doing what we love to do. Now that we are both back to the daily grind, doing what I love has an even more profound importance to me.
It was nice 😘
Nice picture too 😘
Truly lovely. I hope to one day be able to take the drive to see all you do. I’m so proud of you. ❤️ Lauren
Leave a comment