Meet Darlene Davidge: Ceramic Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darlene Davidge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darlene, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
My business is selling ceramic sculptures and hand-built functional items. What I was not aware of until I started working with clay is the number of steps and time involved in creating ceramics. After spending time building the sculpture or piece, it needs to dry thoroughly to a bone-dry state before it can be fired, otherwise it can explode in the kiln during the firing process and destroy pieces adjacent to it as well. The next step is the bisque phase, which is when the piece is sanded, painted/decorated, and glazed (although carving happens during the leather-dry state before the first firing). Once all the pieces are ready, they return to the kiln for another firing. So from conception to ready-to-sell, the process can take weeks or months.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My art is about making whimsical sculptures; animals and funny people, as well as hand-built items such as platters and other kitchen items with illustrations or carvings on them. Being in my studio fills me with joy. After spending years painting with oils and acrylics, I switched mediums in 2014. In 2013 our back yard was being landscaped, and included a fire pit and short retaining wall. My friend Murphy Adams suggested we create a mosaic for them. This was my first experience with clay and I loved it! It’s been a fun journey as I continue to experiment with new techniques and expand my art. I’m always looking at other artists and learning from them. I’m sure I’ll continue to make mistakes and learn. My goal with my pieces is to make people smile and be happy when they look at them. Loosening up with my style has brought a lot of freedom to the items I create. I draw inspiration from my travels, and also from the world around me and my own overly-large inner world. This year’s shelter-in-place has given me plenty of time to spend in my studio, and I’ve taken advantage of it, spending almost every day working in there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I’m out here in San Francisco. I like to take people off the beaten track while also showing them some of the many gems we have to offer. I would definitely take someone on one of our fantastic “Stairway Walks” – probably on my favorite one which features a very long, very beautiful mosaic staircase and some outstanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the park. Golden Gate Park would be another destination with a stop at the DeYoung museum (in the park), followed by a casual late lunch at the Park Chalet, out by Ocean Beach, or an early dinner at Burma Star on Clement Street. One day we could explore the Presidio, with its magnificent views and interesting history, and walk down Clement Street in the Marina to check out the restaurants and shops. Exploring Pacific Heights would be fun, starting with a climb up the Lyon Street Steps (turn around at the top for a spectacular view of the bay and Alcatraz), and ending with a walk down Fillmore or maybe a picnic in Anza Square, admiring the famous “Painted Ladies” (postcard Victorian houses with a full view of downtown behind them). The Mission is a must see, with all it’s extraordinary murals and trendy restaurants. It’s very lively there. A fun Sunday brunch spot is The Ramp, which is on a pier in the Dog Patch neighborhood. What I love about that is there’s still the gritty feeling of Old San Francisco. You are sitting outside with a view of Oakland and around you are dry docks with boats and large ships. It’s pretty fantastic and the food at The Ramp is great. And lastly, what visit to San Francisco would be complete with a stroll through Chinatown, with it\s funky shops and hidden restaurants?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Besides my wonderful, supportive husband and children, my friend, artist Murphy Adams has been instrumental in getting me started with clay. Additionally, Ann Mordine, founder of chattra (boutique yoga products), has been supportive and we collaborated on a Yoga Coloring Journal called “Deities in Asanas”, which she wrote and I illustrated.

Website: darlenedavidgestudio.com
Instagram: darlenedavidgestudio
Linkedin: Darlene Davidge
Facebook: Darlene Davidge Studio