Diana Gillispie
Minimalist Pottery | Tiles & Functional Ceramics
Asheville, NC
Diana Gillispie is both a potter and tile maker. For the past 20 years she’s focused on hand made ceramic tile. Recently she has expanded to include a line of contemporary pottery. Minimalistic in design, her work is inspired by asian ceramics, primarily Japanese. Pieces are available in either a matte black or white glaze.
About Diana Gillispie
When did you first start making your craft?
I started ceramics in 1978 after completing a BFA in ceramics at Kansas City Art Institute. Shortly after graduation I moved to Weaverville and started a studio right downtown next to the laundromat with two other potters.What do you draw inspiration from? How do you incorporate flowers into your work?
These vases are a part of a new body of work I’m exploring. Minimalistic in design, I am inspired by my appreciation for asian ceramics, primarily Japanese. The vases are wheel thrown and altered. What makes them unique is that they provide a quiet and contemporary back drop to a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
When did you join the Guild and why?
I joined the Guild in 1979 (!) because it was a highly regarded craft institution. I felt it would be a privilege to be a part of an established crafts community in WNC and would provide marketing opportunities for a young potter starting out.What is your favorite part of being a Guild Member? What is your participation in the Guild?
My favorite part of being a Guild member is that it has provided me with a consistent and trusted market. And let’s not forget the friends I’ve made through the years! I’ve done a million craft fairs but no longer participate in the physical fair (looking forward to the virtual fair). I wholesale to several of the Guild shops (tiles only aka Asheville Tileworks).Do you teach workshops?
I used to teach workshops but have not done so lately. Enter Exhibit