Lisa O'Rourke
Maker Monday - April 2025
About the Artist
Name: Lisa O’Rourke
Medium: pottery
Years creating: on and off since childhood
SCAA member since: 2020
Based in: South Kingstown, RI
Instagram: @creativepottery_by_lisao
Click an image to view slideshow
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, - SCAA
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!