Featured Artist: Fall 2019

As pcPolyzine continues to revitalize, we wanted to pick up an article series that was an old favorite—the Featured Artist! For the Fall 2019 issue of pcPolyzine, we’re featuring Alabama artist, Lee Anne Jones.

Lee Anne and Randy

Lee Anne is a self-taught clay artists who lives with her husband and art show roadie, Randy. He builds all of her displays. She teaches a few classes throughout the year at the Alabama Folk School and with OLLI. Lee Anne sells her art at the Kentuck Gallery in Northport, AL; Pepper Place in Birmingham, AL; and various other art shows that are nearby. 

We asked Lee Anne some questions and here’s what we learned:

pcPolyzine: How did you get into polymer clay?

Lee Anne: I found myself with too much time after my kids were grown. I was looking for something creative to do. I bought some polymer clay and started playing with it. After a few months, I became hooked.

pcPolyzine: How do you come up with an idea for a project—do you plan it out or just start working?

Lee Anne: I usually have an idea, however I do like just building canes and tweaking steps to see what I can come up with. I cover a lot of old glass bottles and wine stems. Even a 100 year old glass flask!

pcPolyzine: What inspires you to create pieces in polymer clay?

Lee Anne: The art of creating. I love to build. Symmetry, color, and complexity. I want to make vivid pieces that grab attention.

pcPolyzine: What’s your favorite piece or project you’ve made in polymer clay?

Lee Anne: I think the year I did a lot of work with translucent clay and chalk. I then used the canes I make to cover different old bottles and some vases.

pcPolyzine: Does your work have a theme or message?

Lee Anne: In the fall, some of my work revolves around the Day of the Dead fest. I like to make sugar skulls and butterfly wings. Mostly, there’s no theme or message. I rarely make the same thing twice. I like work that is different and eclectic. I like my pieces to be unique and one-of-a-kind.

pcPolyzine: What are your favorite (or most important) tolls you use when working with clay?

Lee Anne: The pasta machine. Without it, I could make nothing. My extruder. They make creating wine glass stem veneers so interesting.

pcPolyzine: Do you have any advice for new artists to polymer clay?

Lee Anne: Master the Skinner Blend and bullseye canes. When you get those down, you can make just about anything.

pcPolyzine: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers?

Lee Anne: I feel like polymer clay is a material that is extremely user friendly, versatile, and good for all ages.

pcPolyzine: Lee Anne, your work is beautiful and we appreciate you taking time to share with us!

To connect with Lee Anne and see more of her work, check her out on Instagram and Facebook. The holidays are right around the corner, so stop by Lee Anne’s Etsy store for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift!