Kellie Staker Artist Statement 

I started ceramics in 2000 after having a horse break my thumb. I chose ceramics as a form of physical therapy. I wasn’t sure if throwing pots was going to do the trick after having a plate and 5 screws put in and losing the mobility of all 3 joints. Soon after I started wedging clay and doing some hand-building of pots I was starting to notice a significant difference in mobility and usability of my hand. As the semester went on and the class was getting more involved in using the wheel I was noticing that I had complete use of my thumb. I have to say it wasn’t easy though, every night I would go home with a throbbing hand, but the doctor told me it wasn’t going to be easy if I wanted my thumb to be 100 percent.

It was this experience that got me hooked to this great hobby and I absolutely love making different forms of pottery. I really want to learn all I can while helping others here at CASA.