Bre teaches private lessons and specializes in custom, functional work at her home studio, Make It Personal Studio. We love how she uses Mayco’s Stoneware and Stroke & Coat glazes! Bre is Mayco’s Education Specialist and works closely in the Art Educators and PYOP stoneware market.
Mayco: Please tell us about yourself – what’s your background and how have you ended up where you are today?
Bre: I currently live outside of Baltimore, Maryland, but I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. I started throwing on the wheel when I was junior in high school and never really stopped. I moved to Maryland to earn my Master’s Degree in Ceramics from Hood College, and am fortunate to have found a full-time job where I can utilize my degree. I am most happy, however, to have created a studio in my home where I can teach private lessons and create for my business, Make It Personal Studio. There’s nothing better than throwing in your pj’s any time you’re in the mood!
How would you describe your style of work, the materials you use and how you’re inspired?
My work is incredibly functional, and I specialize in custom work. I want people to be able to give me an idea of what they want, and then I’ll take that idea and add my own flair. Once it’s in their hands, it’s my hope that my customers will interact and use my creations every day. I create with stoneware as well as fabric, wood, metal and glass. I dabble in just about everything! I like the challenge of just digging in and getting creative. This freedom also allows me to get inspiration from just about anywhere- a piece of lace, a seashell on the beach, a shiny stone found on a walk… inspiration is all around us!
What are you favorite Mayco products to use? How do these products show off your work?
Oh my! There are so many amazing products! If I had to make a list my favorite glaze combo is SW-146 Aurora Green and SW-401 Mayco Flux. I also love SW-151 Olive Float with Mayco flux. Let’s be honest, anything with Flux is gorgeous! Black Stroke & Coat (SC-15 Tuxedo) is my number one go-to glaze because it works perfectly on every clay body I own and can highlight all of the details in my textured work. Many of my pieces are antiqued with SC-15 Tuxedo to bring out their underlying details and textures. Oftentimes, the SC-15 will react with the glaze applied over it, and I’ve never been disappointed with the result. Gorgeous every time!
If you could make your work anywhere, where would you be and why?
I mean, my basement in my PJ’s is pretty much amazing, but I would take a small hut on a beach in Hawaii as a good second best option. Who doesn’t love the beach?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Make the work that sets your soul on fire.
What superpower would you have?
Apparate.
In addition to creating your own ceramic art, what are your hobbies?
I’m a competitive powerlifter. I spend a lot of time at the gym lifting heavy things!
