Interview
Reena Dodeja
Reena’s clay work is inspired by her roots, and is a reflection of her energy and carefree spirit. She wants her work to have a feeling of spontaneity.
Reena strives to create a visual language through clay as a ceramic artist - working with porcelain and stoneware, throwing and altering - making simple but functional forms on the potter's wheel. There is something fascinating about blending form with design etched onto the surface of each piece, and watching it become an artwork for tableware!
Born in India, Reena grew up living next to rivers and oceans, which became inspirational to her. The estuary, sea, and rivers evoke fond memories, and she imagines the ripples of water as she brushes fluid clay slips on each piece, to create vibrant textual effects. She adds carved patterns and designs that reference the dynamic and energetic gestures found in Abstract Expressionism.
Her adventures with clay began in 2002. Reena was captured by the uncertainty of combining the four elements: Earth, Fire, Air and Water. She imagines that every piece she makes is an expression of her beliefs, and will surely weave itself into somebody’s heart and home.
Passion lives within everybody, Reena’s is in the momentum of clay.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and brought up in India and lived there for 40 years. I have a major in Psychology and spent a year studying Graphic arts. I moved to California, USA, in the year 2000 to study Graphic design. An introductory pottery class during that time turned things around. I intended to be a graphic designer but fell in love with pottery. With a few accolades in galleries, and some of my pieces sold, ceramics became my main focus. My first four years were spent in California, but I have been in Portland for the last 15 years as a ceramic artist.”
“I love to create dramatic effects on my pieces. I grew up living next to rivers and oceans, which became inspirational. I try to recreate the ripples of water, adding textural effects with my brushstrokes on each of my works. I spent so much time as a child looking at the ocean, and I find my studio practice to be an ebb and flow of visual discovery.”
What inspires you most?
“My inspiration has its roots in the kitchen for the love of cooking, and serving food. I grew up with family and friends around the table with delicious food served on great tableware, including amazing memories of laughter and chatter. Those years of bonding and love inspired me to create tableware for each one of you. Texture, bright hues and simplicity attract me. My goal after all this inspiration is to ‘Set your dream table with RED Wheel Collections’.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my work, I imagine that every piece I make is an expression of my belief for simplicity, love and passion. This is found in the way I can craft a piece of clay, whether forming a vase that decorates a room or producing tableware that celebrates a meal. That connection we make at the table - this is the greatest joy.”
How would you describe your work?
“I love to fashion pottery from clay. I work mostly with stoneware and porcelain clay. I create a form, and design it with fluidity of texture, created mostly by brushing on the clay, or etching with patterns, adding layers of glazes and underglazes. The uniqueness of creating each piece and being part of every home is a celebration.”
Which artists influence your work most?
“Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist. She is a multidisciplinary artist who creates a magical effect with her stunning art. There is also the Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky, a pioneer in modern art. His vibrancy and abstract form is stunning. The ceramic artist who was my greatest inspiration and mentor, Sam Scott, from Seattle, Washington. Tom Coleman and Patrick Horsley from Portland, Oregon. Their slip techniques, shapes and glazes are stunning.”
What is your creative process like?
“My process is creating every piece mostly on a potter’s wheel, giving it the shape, then once it is leather-hard, trim it. I then create patterns with stamps, texturizing with slips brushed on the clay surface to give it a finished look. Once it is completely dry, the first firing is done in a kiln to cone 6 (2200F/1200C). This process is called bisque ware. Bisque is the preparatory stage for glazing. It is then fired again and we get the finished product. Our hand to yours.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists play one of the most important roles in our society. They can reshape our world into a better place. Art reaches out and touches people around the world, and it can lift people when they are down. The artist provides society with emotions, color, and texture.
When an object is made by hand - by a craftsman - you won’t want to throw it away. You will care for it and cherish it. I see artists bringing communities and people together, forever evolving. I believe pottery is the perfect antidote to our electronic devices and fast-paced society.”
“Pottery has reemerged with a new and important role to play in our society. It enriches everyday objects with purpose and beauty; it gives them a soul.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“2004, my piece was exhibited in Euphrates Art Gallery , San Jose, California
2007, 2009, work exhibited Art show @ Helzer Gallery PCC Rock Creek, Portland
2008, conducted a workshop given in Wedgwood, England.
2017, the Oregon Potters association show called ‘Keep Portland Wared’ featured my work in Skutt Ceramics
2018, my work was exhibited in Rooted in Clay - Ceramics from the Pacific Northwest by The Hokkaido Pottery Society in Sapporo, Japan. I also gave a workshop in Sapporo Art Park Museum, Japan”
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