Samantha Hostert

1. What inspires your forms and surface decorations?

The desire to create extremely comfortable, functional pieces of art inspires my forms. I want people to use and touch the works often. I am intrigued by the juxtaposition of order and chaos, and strive to capture that tension in my surface decoration. I taught high school for years and thought a lot about a day structured by bells versus the chaos that happens in between in the classroom. Now as a mom I think about a day structured by meals and naps versus the chaos of a one and four-year-old. And I have always been interested in how to lead a life within the structures of society without getting trapped by the monotony.

2. What is your favorite form to make?

Mugs!

Everything. I know that’s a cop-out answer, but I love using handmade ceramics in every part of my day. 

Dave Trost was my first ceramics teacher ten years ago when I decided to drop everything else for clay. Since then I have had wonderful teachers and mentors, especially Joe Kraft, Chris Cheney, Brian Malnassy, and Patty Kochaver.  

When looking outside of Lillstreet, I am continually inspired by past and contemporary ceramic work. Three people who have been a constant inspiration from the beginning are Julia Galloway, Lorna Meaden, and Deborah Schwartzkopf.

5. What is your favorite piece of advice for aspiring potters?

Keep making work, and be patient.