Chris Herron
Maker Monday - February 2025
About the Artist
Name: Chris Herron
Medium: pottery and porcelain
Years creating: since High School
Based in: South Kingstown, RI
Website: redchairstudioclay.com
Etsy: RedChairStudioClay
Instagram: @redchairstudioclay
Click an image to view slideshow
“Chris Herron is a very busy artist! She regularly participates in art shows and farmers markets, maintains an active online presence, and has found a way to make her living doing what she loves. In addition to all of that, she has also had a fruitful history here at SCAA. Chris served on the board for 4 years, has been exhibiting here for 20, and teaches pottery and watercolor classes in our studios. -SCAA
Where are you from, and what do you make?
I live in South Kingstown and I make hand built pottery and porcelain jewelry.
How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
I was quite serious about pursuing art since high school, I studied Illustration at RISD and I have been a designer/maker/artist ever since.
What inspires you to create?
I draw upon my love of the natural world, painting and color as well as pattern to make work that can be used by others. I also enjoy learning a new process or technique and making it my own.
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 love looking at paintings in person. The physicality of paint on the surface, the brushstrokes, the color and an artists particular use of a medium are a big part of my enjoyment when viewing. One of my earliest heroes is Andrew Wyeth. His technique in watercolor is equal parts free flowing abandon and controlled precision. Some of my favorite paintings of his are loosely painted sketches of bramble and leaves are masterful.
Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
I remember seeing Kehinde Wiley's exhibit A New Republic at the Brooklyn Museum in 2015 and being utterly blown away. Wiley's portraits were practically human scale and the maximalist, hyper-floral patterned backgrounds were so surprising and so beautifully painted. His depiction of historically marginalized people addresses the lack of diversity in traditional portraiture and points out the politics of race in the art world. His paintings are to be experienced.
As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
To me, the South County Art Association has been a place of friendship, growth, creativity and service. Here I have been part of a welcoming and diverse community of creative folks, grown my skills as a potter, become a seasoned art teacher and have volunteered my time for a while as a member of the board. I wouldn't be where I am now if not for SCAA.
Tell us a joke.
I used to be addicted to the Hokey Pokey, but then I turned myself around.