New to NMPCA, but not new to New Mexico, Monica Devine comes from Alaska, and is now a member of the Abiquiu community, too. Monica gave a lot of her energy and construction savvy at the latest Volunteer Camp at Ghost Ranch.

How did you first get interested in clay? 

Quite a few years ago I began periodically visiting Santa Fe for a couple months at a time, in self-directed writing retreats. One day I heard two women on the bus talking about Ghost Ranch, and I was intrigued. I was stunned by the landscape, and after that started taking classes at Santa Fe Clay. The way adobe homes seem to rise up out of the earth was fascinating. At the same time, I was drawn to the work of Debra Fritts, Adrian Arleo and Jane Flint. Thus began my study of figurative ceramics. It took a number of years to get a studio up and running at my home in Eagle River, Alaska, where I’ve lived for 40 years. We recently built a house in Abiquiu, and I’m setting up a studio there so I can work in both places. 

"Owl's Cry" by Monica Devine. Photo from the artist. 

"Drum" by Monica Devine. Photo from the artist. 

Describe your studio

My studio in Alaska is a couple hundred square feet of space I share with my husband, who works in glass. The light is flat during the winter months, my most productive time, and is completely different than the vibrant sunshine experienced in Abiquiu. I’m drawn to both landscapes; both are wild and raw and inspirational in their own ways.

"Ukraine" by Monica Devine. Photo from the artist. 

Describe your work 

As a visual artist, I exercise an eclectic approach in creating clay sculptures of women. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by a story or quote that leads to a psychological insight, a memory, or the marking of a specific occasion. Then I’ll make a sketch to parse out a theme. 

I enjoy trying new cold treatments on my sculptures, including slip trailing, image transfers, mixed media, and encaustic elements. Women and animals are often juxtaposed and I usually work within a limited palette.  My ceramic work has been on display at the Anchorage Museum, the International Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Enso Circle Invitational Artist Residency and others. 

"Rock Hunter's Wife" by Monica Devine. Photo from the artist. 

Describe any work you do that promotes clay community

I am volunteering at Ghost Ranch to help rebuilt Pot Hollow after the 2015 flood. I am eager to meet other clay artists in northern New Mexico. The clay community is very small in Alaska, the ground not conducive to harvesting clay, and most are production potters. 

"Ravenna" by Monica Devine. Photo from the artist. 

When you are not working in your studio, what do you enjoy? 

Climbing mountains, skiing, and writing. I have published 5 children’s books and my most recent adult non-fiction book, Water Mask, was completed at Ghost Ranch, which proved to be a very quiet, productive place. I’m currently working on a novel titled The Memory of Geese.

"Becoming" by Monica Devine. Photo from the artist. 

Do you play music in your studio?

I’m an old hippie so I cling to 70’s music, Americana, and blues. I listen to Joni Mitchell a lot, and enjoy her modern-day geniuses Brandi Carlisle and Taylor Swift.

What other pottery do you have in your home? 

I have, or used to have, a collection of pitchers and vessels that were destroyed in the 2016 earthquake. I’ve museum-puttied other pieces since then!

What caused you to join NMPCA? 

The desire to meet other northern New Mexico artists. I’m pretty new at this endeavor and am excited to learn from others.