We recently connected with Debbie Quick and have shared our conversation below.

Debbie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents were truly adept at instilling valuable lessons during my childhood. They imparted the significance of unconditional love and cultivated my curiosity by emphasizing that boredom is virtually non-existent when fueled by a curious mind. Perhaps the most impactful gift they bestowed upon me was the unwavering confidence that with determination and hard work, any aspiration I harbored was attainable. While there were numerous instances of their encouragement, a pivotal one occurred during a parents’ night at my elementary school. In a brief exchange with my 3rd-grade science teacher, Mr. Ezdebski, my father not only heard about my academic achievements but also asserted that my curiosity and intelligence meant I could achieve anything I set my mind to. This moment crystallized my belief that my aspirations, both in learning and future career, were not only valid but also entirely achievable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a very early age, my journey has been shaped by an unwavering passion for art and teaching. Even as the youngest in the neighborhood, I stood out, often insisting on playing the role of the teacher during childhood playtime. This early enthusiasm laid the foundation for a creative career that took flight after high school. My educational path began with an AFA program for art foundations at Keystone College, followed by the attainment of a BFA with a teaching certification from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, in 1999. Post-undergraduate studies, I delved into the realm of teaching, starting with elementary art at a public school and conducting evening ceramic classes at a clay studio in Cleveland, Ohio.

Following two enriching years as a visiting artist at the small two-year school where I pursued my AFA, I took a significant leap forward by enrolling in graduate school. This journey culminated in the achievement of an MFA from VCUarts in 2006. Fast forward 15 years of dedicated work in university arts administration and teaching, a pivotal decision emerged. Fueled by a desire to seamlessly blend my creative practice with teaching, I embarked on the journey of opening a small ceramics studio in Richmond, VA, named Clay Ground. The studio’s mission is dedicated to fostering curiosity and learning in clay, allowing me to channel my passion for creating art and share the joy of learning with others.

Clay Ground offers a myriad of clay learning experiences, including both handbuilding and wheel throwing. From extended four-week classes to intimate date nights, shorter workshops, and membership options, the studio caters to a diverse range of interests. Additionally, we provide firing services for our clients.

What sets Clay Ground apart is our commitment to solving a variety of problems for our clients, whether it’s teaching new skills, assisting with idea development for new projects, or offering advice on setting up a home studio. With my training as an educator and over 25 years of teaching experience, I bring a substantial toolbox to the table, facilitating effective problem-solving for creative endeavors.

Most notably, I take immense pride in the inclusive clay-focused community that has flourished at Clay Ground. The atmosphere is characterized by kindness, compassion, and a collective spirit of offering new perspectives and suggestions to help each member/student grow creatively.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Fostering a dynamic creative ecosystem involves society’s commitment to supporting artists through accessible education, inclusive spaces and platforms, and public engagement.

At the core of nurturing a flourishing creative landscape lies an unwavering dedication to accessible education and ongoing training. By advocating for affordable and inclusive arts education from the earliest developmental stages, society can cultivate and celebrate the inherent creative skills and talents of each individual. .

In the pursuit of a diverse and thriving artistic community, it is essential to establish spaces and platforms that embrace and celebrate diversity. Creating inclusive environments allows society to provide artists from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences with the opportunity to contribute to the collective creative tapestry. This inclusivity is further magnified by supporting initiatives that uplift underrepresented voices, fostering a creative landscape that genuinely reflects the diverse human experience.

The engagement of the public in the arts serves as a cornerstone in building a society that values and appreciates creativity. Initiatives such as art festivals, public installations, and public educational programs become crucial conduits for fostering a deeper connection between the community and the arts. Simultaneously, emphasizing the intrinsic value of the arts becomes paramount, cultivating critical thinking, empathy, and a profound understanding of diverse cultures.

By amalgamating these initiatives, society charts a course towards a creative ecosystem that not only supports the endeavors of artists but also actively involves the public. This creates a harmonious blend of inclusivity, education, and appreciation for the arts, fostering a cultural landscape that thrives on diversity and creativity.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Nurturing a passion for exploration and critical thinking has been a consistent thread throughout my journey. My commitment to facilitating learning stems from my personal history and an innate desire to support others in reaching their potential, propelling them beyond their current boundaries to discover uncharted territories of knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clayground.net/
• Instagram: clay.g.r.o.u.n.d
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claygroundRVA
• Other: https://debbiequick.com/

Image Credits
File Name Portrait image photo credit Debbie Quick IMG_8888.jpg photo credit Kim Tran IMG_8881.jpg photo credit Kim Tran IMG_9333.jpg photo credit Debbie Quick IMG_9313.jpg photo credit Debbie Quick PhotoCreditSaraMaslyn.jpg photo credit Sara Maslyn