Education

 

About Rachel

I get to do what I love at YVC and in my own art making.

For me, making art isn’t enough; I also need to talk about it, especially about how it is made, why it is made, how to solve challenges related to techniques, firing, form, and expression. In my own work, I love to explore a new idea, then write about that exploration to help me process what I learned.

In the classroom, I love seeing and guiding students as they work through challenges like figuring out how to make something print right on the 3D clay printer, putting in the practice that allows them to throw that tall vase on the wheel, or realizing that a small adjustment can turn a confusing explanation into a clear one.

I love discussing art and art making with students in the classroom, in my office, and online. I smile when I overhear students explaining processes or techniques in the studio, at our clay sale, or at the annual student exhibition at Larson Gallery in the spring.

YVC has amazing studio spaces, especially our large and beautifully equipped clay studio in Palmer Martin hall, where students in more than 6 different clay classes can access work spaces, wheels, kilns, a dedicated glazing room, and more!

I regularly teach pottery and other clay classes. In my 18 years at YVC, I‘ve also taught design, art history, Art Appreciation, even metalsmithing and a mural painting class. 

I maintain an active studio practice at my home studio in Yakima. My primary medium is clay and I throw functional pottery as well as hand-building (mostly) abstract sculpture. A consistent thread through all my work tends to be bright colors and complex textures, as well as abstract organic forms, often reminiscent of sea creatures and plantlife. I sometimes dip into politics and personal experiences in my wor,  as well as trying out ideas for my classes and students.

When I find the time, I write about art making, student work and teaching on my personal blog (racheldorn.blogspot.com).