Maggie Ramey Maker Mondays April 2023

Maggie Ramey

Maggie of Fat Robin Pottery has been a member at SCAA for 10 years. After retiring, she considered becoming a full-time potter but found it didn't suit her. These days, Maggie enters some exhibits at SCAA as well as Spring Bull Gallery's Fakes and Forgeries show, winning "the occasional ribbon" as she modestly puts it. She's experienced great success in our Annual Holiday Sale with her beautiful ornaments, bowls, plates, mugs, and more. She has found a nice balance between her love of pottery, her grandchildren, gardening, reading, and travel--something we all aspire to. 

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​Where are you from, and what do you make?

I am from Newmarket, NH, one time a small town wedged between Exeter and Dover….Small meaning there were 26 students in my high school graduating class, and at the time, grades 1 to 12 in the same building. My town was about 10 miles from the ocean; my parents were not cold ocean goers, so we would go inland to freshwater lakes and ponds. When I moved to Newport, I was amazed that the water was warm enough to swim in–a whole new experience!

As a hobby potter, what do I make? Whatever I want to! I love a challenge-- Lifelong learner here! At this point in my life, I know my learning style, what information I will need to learn this subject, how I will learn, where I will learn. With the wonders of the internet and youtube, clay knowledge is at your fingertips! Therefore I make what I want to learn and to practice and what makes me happy and what makes me smile…. Currently creating pottery bird ornaments, coil pots and weaving clay strips into basket and chair caning patterns.

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​How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

As my children went off to college (about 2005), it was me time. I discovered the clay classes at the Newport Art Museum and with the excellent guidance of the instructor, Charlene Carpezano , my clay journey began…is it a journey, obsession, or addiction? After 5 years in Tuesday night pottery, I got my own kiln and supplies –a couple hours of studio time a week was not enough; I needed to be immediately available at every stage of the clay.

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​What inspires you to create?

Life experiences, travel, nature, history, the world around us, spur of the moment decisions, fleeting moments, old artifacts, a bottle dump, an old barn, an old workshop filled with tools. Currently using my mother’s chair caning books as inspiration.

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​Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I grew up in a colonial farmhouse filled with “antiques” and a barn filled with items from the past. My mother refinished furniture, caned seats, stencilled, etc. I thought everyone grew up with this stuff– the effects of a small town. I like anything old; going in an antique shop takes my breath away. I look and think and examine and touch; I can feel these people; therefore, I create out of a respect for the past.

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​Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
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I’m amazed by all art work, now that I am aware of the thinking involved, let alone the actual process and the work involved. I have great respect for every artist no matter what they create.

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​As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

I like the feeling of community. The highlight of the annual holiday sale for me is talking to fellow volunteers–it's amazing what similar connections and interests we have!
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Tell us a joke.

When an artist meets his rival, what does he say? 
I challenge you to a doodle….

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See more of Maggie's work at Fat Robin Pottery Facebook page.