#CAArtsChampion Leah Schaperow
Leah Schaperow
Artist/Owner , Milk Oolong Studio
Leah Schaperow is a ceramic artist who creates decorative and functional works that are inspired by the human attempt to control nature. Leah experimentally hand mixes her glazes from raw chemicals. Her artistic processes include thick slip application, slip trailing, and drawing and painting directly onto ceramic pieces to create a complex surface quality.
Leah’s art work has been featured in exhibitions throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and California, including in the Maryland House of Delegates, Brookside Gardens, Glen Echo Park, Art Enables, Merge Gallery, and North Park Library.
What is your medium? Describe your journey with it.
My main medium is ceramic art. I started learning in high school with hand-building and soon wanted to work on the pottery wheel. In college, I majored in studio art at the University of Maryland, which had no ceramic program. In my first few weeks of college I was a bit lost and opened the wrong door in the student union. Which ended up being the community ceramic studio! I quickly interviewed to be a ceramic tech and I began training to take over for the woman that was graduating. After two years of working as a ceramic technician, I began to teach pottery classes too. When I graduated I worked as the interim ceramic studio manager as the studio looked for a permanent manager. After university, I worked at many art studios and taught classes of all ages in everything from watercolor to mosaics. I moved to San Diego and decided it was time to have my own space. So I opened up Milk Oolong Studio in Liberty Station on March 1st, 2020.
Was there a mentor, teacher, or art organization that helped you discover your creative abilities?
The first person in my ceramic journey was my high school ceramic teacher. She taught me to think beyond the round bowl or utilitarian mug. Years after she taught me, we ended up at the same ceramic workshop, which was a wonderful surprise. There were many people along my journey so far that have inspired me, taught me, and believed in me. One person was one of my first pottery wheel students. She ended up creating a small ceramic studio in her home and she shared it with me. I also learned so much at a community clay studio called District Clay Center. No matter where I’ve been, the clay artist community has been warm and welcoming.
How has COVID-19 impacted your process and profession?
I have been greatly impacted as I have been a contract worker this year and started my business on March 1st, 2020 in the Liberty Arts District. The place has been largely shut down and I have not been able to hold classes or sell work as my kiln is taking longer to ship because of COVID-19. I have bought materials, equipment, and I now have my lease at Liberty Station.
What do you feel is the role of the artist during a crisis?
The artist's role during a crisis is to remind the world of what is important. Art can calm the body and mind. Art can be therapy to a world that is sad, confused, and hurting. Being involved in the art process gives people something to focus on that will bring confidence and a different way to approach problems.
How do you think artists can contribute to the post-COVID-19 revitalization?
Artists are vital to the community for mental health, even more so post COVID-19. The arts can be calming, take you into another world or give inspiration for different ways of living.
Have you received a grant from a local arts agency or state or federal agency? If so, what does that funding enable you to do?
I have not received a grant yet. I am looking into it and have applied to one so far. My situation of having started my studio and my lease at the beginning of March means that I do not seem to meet the requirements for many grants.
Please share with someone you see in your community who is a CA Arts Champion.
Jenifer Wheelock of Get Centered Clay Studio is a CA Arts Champion