Christopher Donley

My first experience with clay was when I was in seventh grade.  I remember hand building suns.  In high school, I took pottery classes with Judith Day.  My teacher told me that I would not be able to throw on the wheel because of my physical limitations.  I begged her almost on my hands and knees to let me try.  She finally let me on the wheel; and I am still throwing.

When I moved to Boulder, I studied with Joy Boston at the Pottery Lab while still in high school.  As part of the Transitions program at Fairview, I met Barbara Curtis, who is also a teacher at the Boulder Potters’ Guild.  She gave me one on one lessons for three years.  For the last three years, I have had private lessons with Darryl Houghton.  I have also taken classes at the guild with Sanna Adams, Chris Conklin and Priscilla Cohen, Darryl and Erin Huybrecht.

I mostly throw; I like making big platters, teapots, plates and small bowls thrown off the hump.

My main influences are Robin Hopper, Darryl and David Simpich.  David was my Sunday school teacher when I was in fourth grade.  He is a renowned professional puppeteer, and he is still my friend.  He showed me how important it is to be creative.

When I was little, I liked to stay clean, but now being creative comes first.  I like being creative.  I have always been creative.  I have never been in trouble being creative, so I keep on being creative.

Clay has also been incredible therapy for me.  When I make pottery, my stuttering goes away.  Over the last few years, I have also learned to use my right hand more.  I can now throw using both hands.

Art is so important and artists have so many different styles.  Everyone has different ways to be expressive.  Seeing others work gives me new ideas.

My work can be seen at Simpich Showcase in Colorado Springs.