2020 CCAD Art Fair & Marketplace preview: Ceramics are in her nature

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Columbus College of Art & Design has moved its annual-favorite Art Fair & Marketplace online for 2020. See an outstanding selection of wares by CCAD students and alumni online at ccad.edu/artfair starting at noon Friday, Dec. 4 through 11:59 p.m. EST  Sunday, Dec. 6. All sale proceeds will go directly to the artists, designers, and makers.

Megs LeVesseur’s (Fine Arts, 2010) handmade pottery, created from red-ware clay and glaze using a technique called terra sigillata is full of movement and life—little surprise she calls her most recent line of work “the Botanical Collection,” in reference to pieces’ undulating form and earthy color palette. A Denver, Colorado native, LeVesseur has lived in Columbus since enrolling at Columbus College of Art & Design. See her work at CCAD’s virtual 2020 Art Fair & Marketplace Friday, Dec. 4–Sunday, Dec. 6, alongside other pieces by more than 50 CCAD students and alumni. A returning Art Fair participant, LeVesseur’s work is priced to suit a range of budgets, from $5 to $200. Read more from her below, and find additional examples of her work on Instagram and on her website.

What can people expect to see from you at the Art Fair?
I will be selling pieces from my Botanical Ceramics Collection, which uses traditional hand-building techniques, terra sigillata and multiple glaze layers. Each piece is handcrafted for BEAUTY and FUNCTION. I want my artwork to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, so I offer a variety of price points ranging from $5 to $200.

The Botanical Collection of handmade ceramics is inspired by vintage fabric, mid-century dishes and the playfulness of street art. It is reminiscent of geometric and organic patterns in nature.

What is the inspiration behind your work?
The Botanical Collection of handmade ceramics is inspired by vintage fabric, mid-century dishes, and the playfulness of street art; reminiscent of geometric and organic patterns in nature. 

 

What is your process like for making these goods?
Schedule. Schedule. Schedule. As an individual with ADHD, it’s super important for me to keep a consistent weekly production, firing, and listing schedule. I also set goals to utilize my states of hyper-focus and to stay accountable for tasks falling on the business end of being an artist. 

Day to day, my creative process differs, but the most important part for my process is to allow myself time to “play” and try new things in the studio! Sometimes as an independent artist I can get bogged down with prepping for wholesale orders and shows, forgetting to think creatively.

How many times have you had work in CCAD’s Art Fair? Why did you want to participate in it?
Oh, too many to count! I have been doing the Arts Fair on and off for the last 12 years. The CCAD holiday fair is one of my favorite sales of the year. I love seeing all of the lovely and familiar faces year after year. I know this year will be a bit different, but hope it will remain a vital part of our holiday traditions.

How has your CCAD education influenced the work you’ll be offering for sale?
Even though I took my very first ceramics throwing class around 10 years old and basically fell in love with the tactile element and versatility of clay, I learned so many things pursuing my undergraduate degree from CCAD. I was able to further develop my skillset and create a unique dialogue producing functional art for everyday life.

2020 CCAD Art Fair & Marketplace
Learn more and attend the 2020 CCAD Art Fair & Marketplace happening Friday, Dec. 4–Sunday, Dec. 6.
ccad.edu/artfair