Daina Taylor is a self-taught potter.
Taylor forms her pottery on the potter’s wheel. During this stage, she sketches the images in her head. Waiting until the pots turn leather hard, she sketches, inlays, and slip-trails the surface design. Currently, she applies underglazes after the pots have been bisque fired. According to her experience, it is easier to correct under glazing mistakes at this stage. A final coat of clear glaze completes the designing process before the pots are loaded into the electric kiln one last time for glaze firing.
Taylor enjoys mixing her own glazes because of the endless possibilities. Looking at her pottery with its vibrant colors and unique motifs anyone can see that pottery making brings her joy. In Taylor’s opinion kiln opening is the most nerve-racking moment. She comments, “You never know how chemicals react with each other and the atmosphere of the kiln until you open the kiln door.” Over the years, Taylor has developed her own glaze palates and glazing techniques. She loves watercolors and clay is her canvas, earning her many awards for her skills.
Taylor is a member of Carlsbad Area Art Association and co-director of The Artist Gallery.
She retired from teaching second-grade last year; however, retirement has not been a time of total relaxation for Taylor as it is for most people. She returned to her former school as a part-time librarian. She continues to spend her spare time either reading ceramic-related publications or throwing pots. When she is not in her studio, she spends time working in the garden or preparing gourmet Chinese food for her family. Taylor’s work can be seen at The Artist Gallery in Carlsbad and Horse Feathers Gallery in Tularosa, NM.
