Merlene Walker
I always had a hunger to explore my creativity. However, it wasn’t until my adult years that I acted upon it. After years of taking art classes, with the help of “The Artist Way” workshop, I took a leap of faith and left my corporate job to pursue a degree in ceramic art. During college, I was certified in Precious Metal Clay by Tim McCreight. I wanted to combine my love for teaching and exploring creative possibilities for myself and others. I taught Metal Clay and Creativity Workshops for over 20 years. During that time I had taken multiple clay workshops over the years but did not commit myself to my first love until retirement. My best days are when I have my hands in clay. Whether I am texturing cactus pots or working on a new sculptural idea, this is when I am the happiest.
In the past few years after my move to Santa Fe, I am finding my way back to the creative desires of my heart. This has presented more rewarding (and difficult) challenges than I would ever have hoped for. The tools I acquired along the way are still the ones I turn to today to help me remain centered and creative.
I am stimulated by museums, nature, books, and classes of all kinds. But my favorite stimulation is the exchange of ideas and experiences with others. I can process my own thoughts more clearly as I listen to others share their experiences. Teaching provides the perfect venue for this exchange and working in clay allows me to explore this exchange in a physical sense.
As a PMC instructor, cross-certified in Art Clay®, I maintain memberships in the New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists, Eldorado Arts and Crafts Association and the Taos Ceramic Center. Serving on the Board of NMPCA has allowed me to participate in a community of clay artists, fulfilling both my craving for constructive feedback and a safe place to explore my art.
