Donna Kulibert
Common Ground Pottery
I did not start out as a potter. My first art degree was jewelry design and photography from the
University of Wisconsin. I earned a second degree in Art Education from EWU. It was at
Eastern that I discovered clay. I consider myself a production potter and teacher. It’s not about
the number of pots I make but more about the process. I love to decorate and want each piece
to stand alone.
When you throw, paint or carve the clay you became more aware of the changes on the
surface, both the tactual and visual quality of each piece. My carved pieces have a rippled
surface like flowing water. The texture is intended for the person to rub their hands over to
make them aware of nature.
Clay is a very demanding media to work in both physically and mentally. A good day is
working in my studio and becoming lost in time. I will never have enough time to explore all
the things I want to do in clay. Every firing brings excitement, much of my new work is Raku,
and Raku is primarily decorative.
I want the pot to be held and visualized as they use a piece. or caress the rough surfaces of a
carved piece. To smile as they drink from their favorite mug. That small second of connection
is another thing that drives me to create. I think being aware of that moment in their day, in a
society so full of technology, being super-charged to get everything done as quickly as possible
will help focus on the now, or ground a person in the moment so they can look inward, if only
for a brief moment, and have an appreciation for what’s around them.
I have been blessed to travel extensively and have visited with potters around the world. Clay
is timeless and potters have played a major role in civilizations. Archaeologists study ancient
pottery to understand lost societies. I make pottery to be passed on for generations. I started
making pottery in 1976 and for 35 years was a member of the Pottery Place. Sometimes I think
about retiring but I cant imagine giving it up completely because it is in my soul. I did
not start out as a potter but will forever love the process.