Local Artist Spotlight: Get to know Linda Bourne

Linda Bourne is a local Ceramicist who finds inspiration in her hobbies and family.

How long have you been an artist? I’ve been working with clay since the 80s, taking my first ceramics class in college. I enjoyed throwing on the wheel for about 10 years until I took a one-day workshop in Nerikomi, a Japanese hand-building method where colored clays are layered and manipulated to create different patterns. I loved all the design possibilities that this method offers. You can see this process by going to my website, www.oregonpotter.com.

Describe your art practice. When I start new work for a kiln load, I’m usually thinking about a new shape I’ve designed or a shape that I’d like to revisit. Sometimes it is wanting to use color combinations I really liked from the last load. I start by checking my supply of colored clay that is kept moist in Ziplock bags and make more if needed. I’ve been making heart rattles for years and it’s an easy way to get back into making new work. From there, I am ready to go in any direction that interests me.

Where do your ideas come from? Going out and seeing art seems to put me in a creative mode. I can go to an art show, gallery, or museum and come home and design a new piece. This became apparent when I went to a high-quality show at a local church shortly after Covid restrictions dropped off. It was exciting to see new art in person, and it was the first time in a long time that I sketched a new form. I find that seeing something well designed will get my creative brain stimulated.

How do you incorporate art into daily life? I’ve been pairing perennials and annual flowers for pleasing color combinations in the garden. I like to try out and tweak new recipes in cooking. When I was raising two sons, they’d come up to me and say they were bored. I’d rattle off a bunch of ideas for them to do, and they’d go off and do their own thing. Now I am trying to figure out activities that my 4 granddaughters would like to do together. Creativity seems to be a muscle that just gets stronger with use, and it gives me energy.

Are there any good organizations where someone could learn ceramics or support fellow ceramic artists? I would recommend joining the Oregon Potters Association. Every year they put on the largest all-pottery show in the nation called Ceramic Showcase. It is usually the last weekend in April. Georgie’s Ceramics is probably the oldest place that offers classes and has all the supplies you’d need

Any upcoming shows where people can see your work in person? I am a member of Village Gallery od Arts in Cedar Mill, Currents Gallery in McMinnville, and Earthworks Gallery in Yachats.

To find out about upcoming shows and see Linda’s current work, visit her Instagram page at www.instagram.com/lindaibourne

Amy Mower is a local artist and lifelong Beaverton resident. She is passionate about the future of the arts in our community.