ART AT THE WEST STOCKBRIDGE LIBRARY

MARGIE SKAGGS – SOUTHWEST- INSPIRED CERAMIC ART

Margie’s exhibit features Southwest influenced carved pieces including vases and assorted bowls and pots.

Margie’s interest in Native Southwest arts evolved during her childhood residency in New Mexico, her parents’ collections of native pottery and weavings and her numerous visits to the Southwest and Mexico.

The taller cylindrical pieces reflect her enjoyment of carving on clay surfaces. “After the lines are carved, I paint over them with white or black slip (liquid clay.)  After the slip dries, I scrape the surface with a metal rib.  This leaves the slip cleanly in the carving grooves and creates a contrast to the clay body.  I then choose a glaze that enhances the contrast so that the carved lines stand out.”

The six smaller pieces reflect a common Native American form called the “olla” (often used for food storage.)  These pieces were carved using native-influenced designs.  The shino glazes are based on a traditional Japanese glaze formula.

 Further information and examples of Margie’s ceramics may be viewed on her website. www.margieskaggs.com  or by appointment at her West Stockbridge studio 413-232-4465.

THE WEST STOCKBRIDGE LIBRARY

TOWN HALL

21 STATE LINE ROAD/ROUTE 102