Welcome to “Get Inspired”. A series of interviews with our Studio Class instructors.
For this month, we’ll be talking to Ginny Brennan. They’re one of our many talented Ceramics teachers here at the Tampa Museum of art—including an upcoming Ceramics Jewelry class this May!
If you’re looking to get inspiration from a local artist, read on!
TMA: Hi Ginny! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. Since you’re one of our ceramics teachers, what got you into ceramics?
Ginny: My first brush with ceramics was in college. I had recently switched my major to studio art and took my first ceramics class. I loved it and decided to focus on that for my time at USF. A lot of my professors were very inspiring; Jenn Miller and John Byrd to name a few. I’ve also found a lot of artists who are huge inspirations to me online as well. Gabs Conway, Amy Palatnick, Violaine Toth, and William Cobbing are a few that come to mind, but there are so many more.
TMA: You also have a long history with the Tampa Museum. What initially drew you to working here with us?
Ginny: I initially was drawn to the museum because of the exhibitions on display, specifically the infinity room by Yayoi Kusama titled Love is Calling. That was my first visit and since then I was wondering how to get started in a museum career. I started volunteering, moved to a part-time position at the front desk, then full time as an assistant manager. I moved to the education department as a full time programs assistant and recently left that position to pursue teaching full time. I’m so happy with that decision. Teaching has been a joy so far. I can’t wait to plan and execute more classes!
TMA: Can you tell us a little more about the classes you’ve taught and are planning to teach here?
Ginny: I’m currently teaching a general ceramics course that provides an overview of the medium and a couple different techniques like throwing, slab building, coil building and more. I’m planning a jewelry course for the summer, and a short holiday ornament course for later this year.
TMA: Those all sound super exciting! But I can imagine planning all those classes isn’t an easy task. What would you say is the toughest part of working with Ceramics?
Ginny: I think the hardest part is losing a piece you’ve worked really hard on. Ceramics can be up to luck sometimes, especially when it comes to firing pieces in the kiln. This can be a good lesson though! It really teaches you to let go and not become too attached to your work.
TMA: With that in mind, what’s the most rewarding part of working with ceramics?
Ginny: There are so many rewarding parts! Honing your skills, exchanging ideas with students and instructors, sharing the excitement of a finished work after a firing with other potters, learning new ways of doing the same action, and most of all, being able to use the work you make! I love function, so making my own planters, bowls, mugs, etc. is a wonderful way to be more appreciative of the objects I use every day.
TMA: Our last question is what advice do you have for someone who has just started or is interested in Ceramics?
Ginny: Make, make, make. Make as much as you can and don’t worry about it being perfect. When you first start, things will never be as good as you want them to be but don’t be discouraged. Keep creating and your skills will catch up.
TMA: Ginny, thank you so much for talking with us today, and for any students out there interested in ceramics, consider taking a wonderful class with our wonderful teacher Ginny Brennan!
