Crested Butte Weekly, July 2004

Luisa Kingsdale

As a student at the University of Denver, Luisa Kingsdale always dreamed of settling down in Crested Butte. In May 2003 she made her dream a reality. Now she not only lives in the town of her dreams, but has also opened her own studio of original design ceramic works.

Luisa Kingsdale has worked as an assistant to various ceramic artists throughout the years and now travels to art festivals throughout Colorado displaying her work. Kingsdale spent three years at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts in Portland, Oregon, where she completed a post-baccalaureate degree in ceramics. While in Portland she also established a co-op studio and gallery with a group of ceramic artists.

A ceramic artist and student for ten years, Luisa Kingsdale has explored the multitude of methodologies in ceramic artistry. This weekend she will showcase two particular techniques: organic raku-fired wall forms and functional bright majolica glazed earthenware.

Luisa's wall-art pieces are simple in form but very complex in color. Ranging in size and shape, these unique hangings are meant to invoke sentiments of nature. She is drawn to the unpredictability and unusual results associated with the raku-firing process, which guarantees unique pieces.

On the contrary, the functional, wheel-thrown earthenware is meant to be homogeneous in its utilitarian forms. She creates everything from bowls and platters of various sizes, to mugs, tumblers, pitchers, tea pots, vases, and many other useful items. The mix of bright-colored glazes and simple geometric shapes create very playful works of art that can be used daily.

This weekend will be Luisa's arts festival debut. For more information on Luisa's art, go to www.LKclay.com