Culver City Observer -

Working in clay is a lifelong passion for Jeffrey Siegel. In this short commentary article, Siegal talks about his lifelong love for clay.

The movements of shaping a ball of clay into something wonderful on the potter's wheel is a series of exciting actions and reactions. Like having a conversation with my artwork, it is common for me to say "the clay speaks to me," launching me into artistic expression. It is the process of creating something from nothing that inspires me."

I fell in love with clay the first time I sank my hands into it. I was 16 years old and a student at Culver City High School, under the tutelage of my teacher Sally Baker, my artistic soul was awakened. Working in ceramics is a blending of physical and emotional elements while feeling the restorative characteristics of clay.

I find working in clay rewarding and challenging as each piece develops with subtle differences in form and design. The process may be one of starting with an idea in mind, or other times just diving in and seeing what the process teaches me.

My journey from having pottery sales in my front yard on Woolford Street as a high school student has led me to where I am today. In my 20s, the Clay House Studio and Gallery on Santa Monica Blvd became my second home. After working my day job in finances, I would spend my evenings at the wheel creating.

Soon I was asked by the artist/owners to come on board as an instructor. My artistic career flourished, and my work was exhibited in many galleries in Southern California, most notably the Museum for Arts and Crafts in Los Angeles."

Siegal will be having a showing of his work at the Beverly Hills Art Show Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at booth 144. The Beverly Hills Art show can be found between Rodeo Drive and Beverly Drive. For those who can't make it to the show, you can visit his website for ceramic art at: JeffreySiegelceramics.com