Meet Savanna LaBauve | Artist & Maker of Ceramic Objects

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

Hi Savanna, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
As an artist who thrives on problem solving, giving up is not in my wheelhouse. When I’m faced with a challenge, whether it’s in life or in my studio practice, I see two options: keep going or reframe the situation. More often than not, I welcome the challenges that arise in my art studio because they provide a reason and space for creative thinking, playfulness, and push me to a place I would have not explored otherwise. Sometimes reframing the situation could mean stepping away from the problem to gain insight and return with a fresh perspective. Other times it means consulting and bouncing ideas off a friend. Talking through a challenge or taking time away from that challenge both allows ideas to meld together to become the creative solution. In my studio practice, these creative solutions often guide the project in a new exciting direction, lead to the next project, and ultimately a body of work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Pulling from my background in painting and drawing, my current work focuses on the power of multiples: pattern, rhythm, and repetition. Ranging from sculptures and installations made from copious amounts of ceramic parts to embellished functional ware, my exploration is centered on components as marks. All together, the multitude of “marks” make up a drawing or mural through physical pattern and surface design.

In 2019, I completed a two-year ceramic residency program at Carbondale Clay Center (CCC) which brought me to Carbondale, CO and jump started my current body of ceramic works. The residency program helped me define what I’ve always known – that I do not have to be just a sculptor, just a potter, or just a painter. I can be a maker, period. It’s incredibly freeing to break the mold and redefine your identity. I am a maker of ceramic objects, collector of materials, & curator of environments.

Transitioning my capacity at CCC from Artist in Residence to Marketing & Communications Manager, I get to work in my field, in a creative way, in a place I love. Throughout my time and various positions at CCC, I’ve realized that what matters in life is not solely my artwork, but how it fits within the community at large. Carbondale Clay Center is at the foundation of this community, and I can’t wait to use my skills to further the organization’s efforts in expanding its reach, programs, and impact on the local and ceramic communities.

Meanwhile in my studio, I’ll be investigating the power of multiples, exploring material combinations, and developing a language of mark-making.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When friends come for a visit to Carbondale this is what we get up to! Depending on the season, we’re either hitting the river for some floating/rafting or cross country skiing in the near by area. Of course we go an art tour of the Roaring Fork Valley — to the Aspen Art Museum, Harvey Preston Gallery, Skye Gallery, Powers Art Museum, ArtBase, Carbondale Arts R2 Gallery, and Carbondale Clay Center. Plus we’ll make a stop where my studio is located, Studio for Arts and Works, where 25+ artist of different mediums are working. For tasty food we’ll hit up Phat Thai, Allegria, Granetta Panini, and Slow Groovin’. For bevies you’ll find us at Batch Provisions, Carbondale Beer Works, and Marble Distilling. It would be a week filled with the outdoors, art, food and drink!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to all of the strong independent women that have helped shape who I am today. Especially to my mom, Pam LaBauve, who has been my rock, coach, biggest supporter, and role model throughout all of my endeavors! Thank you!

Also to the ceramics community that has been encouraging and has connected me with artists across the US. And finally to the Carbondale community that welcomed me in and now feels like family.

Website: savannalabauve.com

Instagram: @savannalabauve

Image Credits
Petr Wiese Ian Edquist Will Sardinsky