Gina DeSantis’s studio practice
The dining table at the PNC SmartHome is set with luscious stoneware made by ceramics artist Gina DeSantis. Organically shaped, each plate and cup features sprigs of red cherry blossoms against an aqua and matte-black background.
DeSantis lives in Lakewood and shares studio space with other artists at the Lake Erie Building — also known as the Screw Factory. She explains her how her surroundings have influenced her work.
“With quickly shifting seasons and temperatures, and a balance of green space versus industrial landscapes, I find my environment has greatly impacted my work,” DeSantis writes in her artist statement. “Cherry blossoms traditionally represent the transience of life and I feel this symbol is in direct relation to my surroundings. Other natural elements and floral motifs are slowly making their way into my work. This is coupled with the consideration of how a piece will function.”
DeSantis, who earned her art degrees at Cleveland State University and Kent, creates a combination of wheel-thrown and hand built objects for the home in stoneware clay.
“I enjoy simple forms with an attention to surface decoration and treatment,” she says.
As one of the SmartHome artists, DeSantis demonstrates care for the environment in her studio practice.
“If clay has not been fired it can be reused for new pieces,” she says. “All clay and glaze is cleaned in a slop bucket before being washed down the sink and into the water supply. This keeps the heavy metals contained. Then this mixture can be used for glazes.”
In addition, she donates pieces that come out of a glaze firing damaged to a mosaic artist. She’s generally mindful of being spare and careful with materials, aiming for as little environmental impact as possible.
“It’s important that all supplies and work are recycled rather than being thrown out,” she says.
Artwork shown: Cherry Blossom Ceramics, Gina DeSantis
