Artist Profile: Lori Fritsch 'Engineers' Clay into Functional Art

Lori Fritsch said that she has always loved pottery and was always drawn to the earthiness of the craft.  Yet it wasn’t until five years ago that she decided to tap this interest to help her cope with an ongoing divorce.  Fritch took a pottery class and was instantly hooked. 

Soon, Fritsch's distant appreciation for the craft ripened into a hands-on, therapeutic passion.   

“I really struggled during my first class to create anything remotely resembling a pot or bowl, but soon everything began to click," Fritsch said. "Now, the need to create has become a vital part of my life.  If I go for extended periods of time without touching clay, I can become a bear to live with."

Fritsch is an engineer by day, and explains how her engineering skills mingle with her art.

“Engineering new forms with clay and experimenting with the chemical processes of glaze construction satisfy the technical, engineering side of my personality.  But, I also love playing with texture and color," Fritsch said. "My artistic side is satisfied by creating a piece of beauty that can be used in everyday activities."

Fritsch began to sell her work, naming the business MudPi.  While some people ask if “Pi” is a spelling error, Fritsch said that it is a reference to the mathematical symbol Pi.  The name and logo act as a humorously subtle reference to the ties between her engineering and artistic passions.

Patch: What do you enjoy about creating this type of art?

Fritsch:  When you get down to the fundamentals, a potter is simply transforming a piece of dirt from the earth into something functional, something artistic, or something both artistic and functional.  The concept still amazes me! 

The other aspect of pottery that I enjoy is the versatility of the media.  I can start with a lump of clay and throw it on a wheel, roll it into a slab, extrude it, pinch it, paddle it, and even throw it up against a tree and come out with a piece of art.  There are so many techniques to explore that one can never be bored!

Patch:  What/who inspires you and your art?

Fritsch:  My sources of inspiration seem to be limitless.  I love exploring for new texture tools during hikes and walks on the beach (it’s amazing the design and texture that you can produce from a rock or an acorn) and am inspired by the forms and colors in nature.  I’m also inspired by many of the professional potters.  Annie Chriestzberg is probably one of my favorites.  Attending workshops with potters such as Gay Smith, Matthew Hyleck, and McKenzie Smith provide loads of inspiration and techniques to experiment with.

Patch:  What are your artistic plans/goals for the future?

Fritsch: My long term goal is to retire early from my engineering career and take up pottery full-time.  I am working on plans to open my own studio.  My short term goal is to continue to perfect my craft, experiment with new textures, techniques, and colors.  Above all, my goal is to continue to play!

Fritsch is currently the owner of a small engineering consulting firm and the mother of two boys, both attending Virginia Tech.

Mudpi works are available in the Foxxy Moxxy Boutique in Gettysburg, at Birdie’s Café in Westminster, and periodically at the Carroll Arts Center. 

More pottery and an upcoming show schedule can be viewed at www.mudpistudios.com.