Cassandra Scanlon



Cassandra Scanlon

About The Artist

Cassandra Scanlon • Bolingbrook, IL
Ceramics • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

I am an artist and designer currently based in Chicago, Illinois. As a graduate student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago I developed my practice to research and explore materials and processes utilized in both traditional and contemporary ceramics and textiles, to create functional decorative wares and hybrid art objects. Currently in my ceramics practice, I have been exploring Neriage to create pieces inspired by the natural ephemeral colors and textures found in landscapes.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

For my Neriage and Nerikomi pieces, I usually work with base clay (white or tan) and collect and stain scraps of those clay bodies to wedge (incorporate) into the white either on the wheel in the throwing process or in slab form. I also create larger and more complex forms in Rhino and have them 3D printed to make plaster molds for slipcasting vessels (see vista vases, and Fluxuations). My slip cast work is usually made at home and fired at the community studio I rent shelf space in.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

I was a technical designer and production manager in fast-paced apparel and home industries for many years and I think that this transition to ceramics has allowed me to slow down and be fully present both mentally and physically with my work. Clay is a slow medium that allows for endless research, experimentation, and growth. I find that by creating things with my hands I am always expanding and strengthening my skills in practice, which gives me a great feeling of satisfaction about the work as a maker. Every piece or failed experiment I make helps to give me more insight into the next project.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

I've become a big fan of gardening in the past few years and hope to grow some flowers and plants to do some natural dye experiments this summer to utilize in some weaving or textile projects the following year.