Deb Schwartzkopf - Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist

Deb Schwartzkopf Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist 03-24-2021 Throughout my upbringing, the kitchen was a stage for experimentation, and the table, a place for generously gathering people together. Working with clay and sharing handmade pottery at mealtimes is a catalyst for conversation and creativity. I am grateful to say, my path was guided by amazing mentors. I grew my intention, technical skills, and defined my artistic voice through academic training. Working for potters inspired me to be an autonomous business owner, to creatively and efficiently set and solve goals, and to be indispensable to my community. My adventurous spirit took me across six states, and a handful of countries, in ten years. I forged an extensive and supportive network learning, teaching, and creating throughout these experiences. This strong foundation has allowed me to reach and even eclipse my initial goals of finishing an MFA, participating in prestigious artist residencies nationally and internationally, teaching across the county, and even setting up my own thriving pottery studio. In 2009, I returned to my hometown of Seattle, WA. In 2013 I purchased a home and established Rat City Studios. Having a spacious, well maintained studio has allowed me to grow my artwork and community impact in substantial ways. I now have the space to make what I desire, share with others, and build community collaborations. I offer adult classes and workshops, and mentor emerging artists who compete for long-term studio assistant positions. My efforts have been embraced by my local community. Ceramics Monthly awarded me Ceramic Artist of the Year in 2019. I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alaska in 2002. I worked for studio potters in the Anchorage area, which gave her a strong foundation to spring from. Following that, I focused on glazes for a year of independent study at San Diego State University; after which I completed a Masters of Fine Arts at Penn State in 2005. Since then I have taught at institutions such as: Ohio University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, University of Washington, and University of Georgia’s study abroad program in Cortona, Italy. I have also worked nationally and internationally at places such as the Archie Bray Foundation (MT), Mudflat Studios (MA), The Clay Studio (PA), Pottery Northwest (WA), Watershed (ME), Sanbao in Jingdezhen, China, and the Residency for Ceramics-Berlin, Germany. Since 2002, I have taught over eighty in-person workshops, 30 online workshops, and exhibited work locally and abroad. In 2009 I moved back to Seattle and bought a house/studio in 2013. Rat City Studios has grown and thrived.