She Magazine APRIL 2016 | Page 52

Story by Ashley Elvington • Laura McBryde Photography The Art of... feature THE VERY FIRST THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE WHILE RESEARCHING Tiffany were her beautiful gem stone mugs. “They are my favorite! I love creating them. Each mug has its own personality and color family. My absolute favorite is a mug that I took with me to the beach one day. I sat on the sand and carved gemstones and waves into the surface of the mug while listening to the ocean. It was such a peaceful experience.” In addition to these, Tiffany also creates throw vases and hand-built forms. Ceramic making can be peaceful, but it can also be challenging. Tiffany recalls her most difficult piece to create so far: a translucent porcelain. “Light shines through translucent porcelain when the clay body is thin. With the help of Professor Gray, we were able to find a porcelain clay in Australia. I found a clay distributor in North Carolina, then started to research celadon clay recipes that would showcase the beauty of my carved work on the clay body. After tweaking the amount of red iron oxide in a recipe, I finally found the appropriate glaze and clay body that satisfied me. Professor Gray then taught me how to fire ceramic pieces in reduction, a process that starves a gas kiln of oxygen and intensifies the color of the glazes. The entire process, from throwing and carving the clay, to firing the kiln, is somewhat complex and nerve-wracking. But, it’s so much fun! WHEN ASKED WHAT SHE LOVES MOST ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST, Tif- It’s my favorite way to create ceramics.” fany admits that she enjoys bringing happiness to someone else’s life. “I love Although she hasn’t been an artist that long, Tiffany’s work has received ac- seeing someone’s face light up when they see my work or when they send me colades. She won first place at the South Carolina State Fair and received the Up a message saying they love drinking out of my mug every morning. I just want Cycled Award at the Spartanburg Juried Art competition. The most meaningful to give some sort of peace or joy in someone’s life.” As I found out during my moment so far, however, was being a part of the North Carolina Museum Art of research, she also has plans to change the world. (See, I knew there was some- the Auction. “Artists donated their work to the museum for charity. It was juried, thing special about her!) “Art is universal. It has no boundaries. I want to edu- so when I was accepted, I was so excited. My work hung in a museum!” cate our community to not be afraid of people who are different from them. These next few months will be spent working towards opening her ceramics We can use art as a tool to unite us by appreciating our differences. I also want and painting studio in none other than Downtown Florence. Here, Tiffany will in- to teach others who struggle with self-acceptance by appreciating and loving struct pottery classes for adults and children. “This is a huge step for me, and it’s what they create.” something I’ve dreamt about for years. I’m so thrilled to have a space to create. I’ve thrown clay outside, in a barn, and in a cramped garage. The whole experience has been a blessing, and so many wonderful people in Florence have been there for me. I thank God every day for His mercy in my life and for His grace.” 52 APRIL 2016 Tiffany Thomas, d aughter of George and Thomasena Thomas, resides in Florence, South Carolina. Tiffany has five siblings: Thurston, Tyler, Thessy, Tenia and Titus. To purchase her work, visit www.tthomasarts.com. For behind the scenes photos and videos, follow Tiffany on Instagram (@tthomasarts). SHEMAGAZINE.COM