Darlene Berry
I take playing in nature seriously!
As a child you could find me outside… exploring the grass for bugs, worms, and new plants; in the water, discovering pollywogs and studying the patterns of the water striders; beside the ocean, in the water no matter the temperature; catching crabs, watching snails, and looking for rocks and shells; tracking the seasons as I mapped the wildflowers in the woods.
I am 1 of 5 generations of women who experience great comfort, sustenance, and creativity from nature. I live observing and immersing myself in nature; noticing color, botanical architecture, and delighting in all it has to teach me.
My love of plants and rocks began in my grandmother’s garden, the woods that surrounded my childhood home, and the granite rock of New England that created beautiful walls around me. These elements can be observed in my ceramics. I enjoy imprinting, embossing, stacking, and sculpture. I like to capture botanical architecture, create inspired dimensional pieces, and use natural forms. My creations are typically functional and can be the center of an individual or communal activities.
Clay, community, and creating brings me peace and joy. I am deeply grateful for the HUB Station community open studio in Hudson, NC. My teacher, Rebecca Reiff, my studio Mud Buddies, the HUB Station staff, and my understanding loving family/friends all make my creative life rich and flowing.
The Story Behind The Work
“I enjoy exploring a variety of themes within my ceramics; botanical inspiration, nerikomi, industrial architecture, and whimsy. Handbuilding is a calm and comforting experience for me. Clay opens me to be more observant both in and out of the studio. This submission is a jump into dimensional nature inspired FUNctional design. I create it, you use it, and we each have a fun immersive experience.”