Dita Lewis

Artist Statement

X
Dita Lewis-Panter
Artist Statement


I've loved ceramic arts since being introduced to it in high school. That was back in 1970. In 1974 I received the Santa Monica High School Ceramic Achievement award. After I graduated, life had a way of taking me far from my pottery. After forty years I decided to try again, and I've never been happier being a full-time potter.
The spiritual aspect of creating something from a lump of clay is profoundly calming. I'm not sure if my life is centered because I center the clay or if the clay is centered because my life is centered. Either way, the spinning of the wheel, the feel of the clay, the creative results, all make my life complete, serene, and calm.
I have also trained horses in my life. Working with a large animal is a very spiritual, meditative experience as well. The rider must be calm and sure to become the horses leader. Your hands must be steady, strong, yet soft enough to feel your horse. You must breathe through the movements. The rider creates a balanced horse by being centered.
When I sit down at my wheel to center my clay, I think of horses and how similar the art of throwing and the art of riding a horse can truly be.
Deciding on color once a piece is ready for glazing can be so much fun. I enjoy alternative firing; raku, saggar, wood or soda, these are all great options with unpredictable results. I especially love doing horsehair raku and if I'm going to sculpt anything, its going to be a horse.