博客存档 - SCAA

May Maker Mondays

5/19/2025

Margit Burmeister

Margit Burmeister has been an exhibiting member at SCAA since 2021. Her work has received recognition locally and on an international level, with awards from Art2Life International Art Exhibition and the Jamestown Art Center. She was also an exhibiting artist at AiR Studio Gallery in Westerly.
Margit has developed a unique style in recent years, and her work is unmistakably hers. To see more, check out her Instagram and website.

Where are you from, and what do you make?
I’m a life-long New Yorker but relocated to Wakefield, Rhode Island in 2020. I make mixed media paintings on paper, canvas and wood. Much of my work incorporates historic typography, vintage papers and reclaimed wood in my paintings.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
I have always been a maker; drawing, painting, and building since childhood. I graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Graphic Design. My career was as a graphic designer in New York City while raising our family. During that time, fine art making was on pause. In 2020 my husband and I came to Rhode Island to “quarantine” at our vacation house which we thought would last 6 weeks. During that time I had the opportunity to make art full-time and I haven't stopped since. Long story short-- we sold our NY home and moved here full-time. I feel very lucky.

What inspires you to create?
I find inspiration in the everyday. It could be the color on the side of an old building, the pattern of a fence, or the curve of a beautiful letterform. It can be random and unexpected.

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?
Music of almost any genre influences my art. Creating and performing music is similar to painting. It’s personal and emotional. Currently I’m loving John Batiste. He breaks all molds and seems to be able to do just about anything!

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
There are so many. I remember the first time I saw Maya Lin’s Viet Nam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. It had a deep emotional impact. Cut out of the earth it honors the fallen individuals, not the victors of that war. It is a powerful work of art.

As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
After moving here I exhibited my work in Rhode Island for the first time at SCAA. Everyone was welcoming and kind. I’ve also been able to take advantage of classes, artist talks, and fundraising events. SCAA fosters a community through which I’ve made some very good artist friends. SCAA is a true treasure in South County.

Tell us a joke.
What is earth without art? eh…

April Maker Mondays

5/3/2025

Lisa O'Rourke

Lisa started taking pottery classes here in 2020. Since then, she's participated in several exhibitions. In her own words: "These opportunities have allowed me to connect with other artists and gain feedback on my work. Though I haven't won any formal awards yet, I’m proud of how far I’ve come since I first began learning pottery during the pandemic. My work has evolved from basic forms to more intricate designs, and I feel that I’m finding my unique style in the medium by incorporating my love of illustrations."

Lisa is also one of our regular volunteers and helps keep our pottery studio running smoothly. To see more of her beautiful pottery, check out her Instagram.

Where are you from, and what do you make?
I am a born and raised Rhode Islander. I grew up in Warwick, RI and my parents had a summer house in Bonnet Shores. It was there that I developed my love of the ocean and nature. When I retired from my corporate job a few years ago, I relocated to South Kingstown.

While I do enjoy drawing and sketching on my own, my primary focus is creating hand-thrown functional pottery pieces. I decorate many of my pieces using sgraffito, a technique where I draw/carve designs into the clay. My inspiration is taken from nature, botanicals, and the sea, and you’ll frequently see these images utilized in my pieces. It’s a way for me to bring my love for illustration into the medium of pottery, creating pieces that are both personal and practical.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
As a young girl, I was always drawn to art. I spent hours sketching fantasy scenes, sea creatures, and often copying the sketches my father made who was an engraver for Gorham. Those early experiences with drawing set a foundation for my creative journey.

Later in life, I had the opportunity to illustrate a few children's books for a friend, but between working and traveling, I found it hard to dedicate time to art. It wasn’t until I retired during the pandemic that I had the chance to really reconnect with my creative side. That's when I discovered SCAA offered an array of art classes, and I decided to try pottery.

When I first started pottery, I found it a challenge! But with the help of some amazing instructors at SCAA, I've come a long way and can now create pieces I'm happy with.

Although I've been practicing pottery for several years now, I still consider myself relatively new to the craft. The experience has been both humbling and rewarding. By combining my background in illustration with pottery, I feel I have been able to bring a unique perspective to my work. It's been a wonderful journey, and I'm excited to continue growing and evolving.

What inspires you to create?
A big influence comes from other artists and nature. The pottery world is filled with so much talent, and it’s easy to get lost in the rabbit hole of creativity when exploring online or seeing the pieces SCAA members create. Seeing other artists’ work sparks my own imagination and encourages me to keep learning and improving.

In my sgraffito work, nature plays a central role. I’m inspired by botanicals, sea life, and the calming beauty of the sea itself. These natural elements allow me to express movement and texture, and they remind me of the connection between our surroundings and the objects we create.

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?
From my childhood I was influenced by my father’s work as an engraver where he would create intricate designs and transfer them to silver plates or chalices. I have always loved the storytelling and images of Norman Rockwell as well as the intricate black and white designs by M.C. Escher which has a direct impact on my sgraffito work.

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
While I wouldn’t say it’s changed how I view the world, experiencing certain works of art in person has been incredibly inspiring and energizing.

Seeing Botticelli’s, The Birth of Venus in Italy was one of those pivotal moments for me. The sheer beauty and grace of the piece left a lasting impression.

Also having the opportunity to visit Monet’s Garden in Giverny, with its vibrant colors, was another significant moment. It makes me appreciate nature as an endless source of inspiration especially for my sgraffito work.

As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
What I like most about being part of the art association is the incredible opportunity to continually learn. The diverse range of classes and workshops available has really expanded my skills, allowing me to explore different aspects of pottery. I enjoy the SCAA events such as the Great Art Heist, Bowl-athon, Evening under the Trees, and the Holiday Sale. Equally rewarding is the chance to volunteer, which not only helps others but also gives me further insight into the many components of the skill. This ongoing learning environment is invaluable, and I’m grateful to be part of this community.

Tell us a joke.
Why do potters always have great parties?
Because they really know how to throw a good time!

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