Tao of Clay Member Spotlight: Greg Lowe on Architectural Ceramics, Texture & Creative Evolution
Welcome to our Member Spotlight series at Tao of Clay where each month, we celebrate the unique voices, creative journeys, and artistic styles that make up our community.
For founder Josh Herman, ceramics has long been more than a medium, it's a way to explore ideas, express ourselves, grow through making and connecting both through and connection. In this series, we introduce you to one member’s personal story, process, and inspirations so we can all learn from each other and deepen our understanding of not only our clay practice but to others at The Tao of Clay and beyond. Because when we share our craft, we build more than beautiful forms, we build community.
Member: Greg Lowe
What first drew you towards working with clay?
Ideas that I had in my head for quite some time that required the medium. I have a history with ceramics in past work, but 4 years ago I decided it was time to finally make some of the things I had envisioned.
How long have you been working with ceramics, and what’s changed most in your practice since you started?
It’s been a little over 4 years. I have gotten much more disciplined in the last 2 years. I also have a much better dialog with work I am making. It’s more informed. I have a more defined vocabulary.
What did you do before clay (or alongside it)?
I got my MFA in Photography, but have been using all kinds of mediums over my art making life. I started painting with watercolors about 5 years ago, which has informed my ceramic work.
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What are you currently working on right now?
I am feeling a transition in my work and looking for my next direction. So, I will see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
Is there something you’re trying to get better at right now?
I think that is something that just happens as you make. I don’t really think about getting better, just learning more.
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What’s a technique or style you’re currently obsessed with?
I don’t really obsess over things. But I do a little with ways to make texture and patterns in my pieces.
Where are you finding inspiration lately? (books, places, people, music, etc.
I get inspiration from so many things. Recently I have been inspired by the ceramic work of Elmar Trenkwalder. Amazing. A residential resort currently under construction called The Veil, on the Adriatic coast in Albania. It was designed by Bofill Architectura out of Spain. Incredible groupings of all green buildings that rise off the mountains surrounded by trees. The renderings are incredible.
Do you have a creative ritual or routine?
Not really. I do like to stop every so often and clean up around my workspace to feel a bit more in order.
Fast Fire Facts!
Coffee, tea or ??? in the studio?
Black tea, a little milk and iced.
Favorite tool you can’t live without?
My t-square and exacto knife.
Favorite song, podcast or ?? To listen while in the studio?
Minimal Techno or Japanese ambient.
One word that describes your current work:
Easy one, Architectural.
What are you excited to explore next?
A water fountain for my back yard.
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