Stoneware Vase
Potter: Christine Winokur
Gift Giveaway: Pleasant green flower vase with plenty of character that was fired in a gas kiln. It stands 9″ tall and is 3″ at its widest. Made from a warm buff stoneware.
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project launch with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway. Each muse answered two questions and shared a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they inspire you.
Christine Winokur: Potter
Known to those who love her as the clay goddess, Christine has been producing pottery since 1967 which, she says, “makes all my white hair worthwhile.” Clay is her passion. Walk into her studio on any given day and you might just find her up to her elbows in clay. Or you might find her teaching others how to be “zen” while centering on the wheel for the first time. But you will never find her bored. “There are so many choices and ways to do something; I love watching other potters work. There’s always something more to learn.”
So, tell us Christine …
R&B: What does “forgive it forward” mean to you?
CW: By giving forgiveness first, you also receive it back – even if it sometimes is just to forgive yourself.
R&B: How do you feel potting enriches your life and helps to heal our world?
CW: Potting makes the world go away for me. It is just me and the clay. Even if I have a dozen or more people watching me and talking to me at the same time, I am really only talking to the clay – and we are having a fine conversation! I don’t know about the world being better, but mine iswhen my hands are on clay. One person at a time, I guess.
Christine’s Artist’s Statement: I began my love affair with clay in college, participated in many shows during the 60′s and 70′s, wholesaled during the 80′s and currently teach at the new Zen And Now Clay Studio & Gallery in Tucker, GA. My work is fired in electric or gas kilns at high temperatures of either 2200 degrees or at 2350 degrees depending on the object’s end use. I sometimes do Raku work but prefer functional items.
Contact Christine through: www.zenandnowclaystudio.com
If you missed the previous Muse, Karla Zdroik: Click here to see her work and leave your comment.
Did you miss the Forgive it Forward video? Click here to see the 3-minute video that started it all!
Tags: art, forgive it forward, forgiveness, pottery
Christine..I love what you said about you and the clay. Its awesome as artists our crafts take us to a place and away from the troubles in life. Your pottery is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your work and thoughts with us.
I love the quote on your blog: “You have to put up with the rain, before you find a rainbow.”
May you find many rainbows!
Love you love your work…..
Same back to you!
I LOVE these earthy vessels. Hmmm, am I elegible to win one?
Yes YOU ARE, Mickey!
Earthy vessels, earthy paintings all go well together!
I love the shapes and colors…like a blending of earth & sky (& water)….
Thank you, Michele. It also takes the fire element to finish and bond everything together.
This is a beautiful piece of work…soothing and focussed. Forgiveness is a gift…even if the other person never know they’ve been forgiven, we know — it is a gift to ourselves as much as to them. And I like to believe that in forgiving someone else, the karmic wheel is spinning and I too am being forgiven for things I’ve done…intentionally or unintentionally to others and may not even realize that I have been forgiven. Beautiful sentiments.
Thank you Sherry, the wheel spins both ways and you are already forgiven, just like me.
Very unique and inspiring work..!
Thank you J.M., take a clay class if you haven’t already! It is fun.
I esp love the *uniqueness* to your artwork Christine!
Each piece is it’s own character & personality! 
Thank you Karla.
Christine – What a great piece of work. The shape and colors are outstanding. I have a piece of pottery that belonged to my mother. The colors in it are strikingly similar but it doesn’t have the glaze. She would have loved this one and your work in general. Thanks for a great gift to the project. Whoever wins it will be lucky indeed. Sharron
I’m glad the piece reminded you of your Mother. I know that is a great compliment!
The richness of the colors in your pottery…especially the Blue piece displayed …is so healing….and touches the soul. You are definitely a wonderful Artist….Lots of Love & Light….Have a Blessed week!
Thanks Kristine, the same to you.
Christine, These pieces are unique and so beautiful! I love what you say about talking to the clay. Obviously, when you are creating, you are one with your art. That inspires me.
Thank you Cindi. I think you are one with your art also.
Inspiring Rich….earthy colors…touch the soul! Lots of Love & Light..
Thank you, I appreciate your comment.
I am forever in awe of your work, Chris! Very beautiful, earthy and rich, very soothing and grounding.
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Toni. I totally adore you! You are so beautiful and funny, too.
I AM just as clay… moldable, creative and created…extreme conditions change my outer form but my essence remains. I LOVE the colors and shapes of this art!
Thank you, Kim.