World Building With Clay | Gabs Conway | Episode 947

Gabs Conway | Episode 947

Gabs Conway is a sculptural ceramic artist based in Missoula Montana. Having grown up in Missoula, she was excited to return – as she relentlessly considers it home – after earning her BFA at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Gabs’ work stems from the playful, mundane experiences of living. She explores relationships, such as that of siblings, friends, and lovers. Interested in creating forms for the reflection of human experience; asking the viewer to consider their appreciation of life, and to humble the adornment of our physicality. Gabs remains curious of the inherent biological responses of living, and what it means to exist together in an ever changing world.

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What do you think of other people suggesting about what and how you should be making your work?

Firstly I hate it (laughter) but it’s not your work, it’s mine.

Instead of telling you how to do your work what is a supportive way for people to talk about your work?

I think just saying, This is what I think this is what you are doing well. It would be interesting to see this. But not so much saying, Do this.

How important for you to have a supportive community around you for you as a maker to be confident that you are going in the right direction?

I don’t know if I lean on my community to tell me that I am going in the right direction. I think I am going based on how I am feeling about what I am making.

What do your folks think of this journey you have been on?

My dad was definitely a potter. I know that they are both supportive but I think they both have their moments of wondering exactly what it is I am doing.

Do you believe that teaching workshops is a critical component for your personal growth, to be giving away your knowledge to others?

I think that I love teaching. I love teaching. I think that they are giving me a lot of information as well. Working with kids is absolutely unreal. But I think just having the opportunity to talk to other people and how they can build things is awesome.