Meet Coy Quakenbush

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Coy Quakenbush. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Coy below.

Coy, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

In every artistic endeavor, the journey of self-discovery and confidence-building often intertwines with challenges unique to those who are the only one in the room. When I found myself in settings where my identity as an artist with Native ancestry stood out prominently, I embraced the opportunity to showcase not only my artwork but also my resilience and determination.

Being the only person in the room who looks like me has taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance and authenticity. Instead of feeling daunted by the differences that set me apart, I have learned to leverage them as strengths. My experiences have shaped me into a more empathetic and understanding artist, capable of bridging diverse perspectives through my creative expressions.

Navigating success in such circumstances has required a delicate balance of confidence and humility. By staying true to my artistic vision while remaining open to learning from others, I have cultivated a presence that commands respect and admiration without overshadowing the voices of those around me.

In my interactions with fellow artists and art enthusiasts, I have found that genuine connections transcend outward appearances. By celebrating my uniqueness and embracing the richness of my cultural background, I have been able to forge meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and appreciation for creativity in all its forms.

As I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, I carry with me the lessons learned from being the only person in the room. My journey is a testament to the power of self-assurance, resilience, and a willingness to navigate uncharted territories with grace and authenticity.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Intro Introducing Coy Quakenbush: A Maestro of Clay Artistry

Nestled about ¾ of a mile from the heart of Saxapahaw, NC, is where you will find me, Coy Quakenbush, balancing my roots in the very land I grew up on. A self-taught artisan in the realms of art pottery, painting, sculpting, and all things clay, I bring a touch of timeless craftsmanship to my creations.

Utilizing clay-building techniques reminiscent of the turn of the millennium, I have established my artistic sanctuary – CoyQ Artworks Gallery – right within the walls of my home studio, located in the serene landscapes of central NC, USA. My art journey commenced back in 1987, initially sparked by a quest for a simple evening pastime. Little did I know that stumbling upon a bag of clay and a mesmerizing video documenting the potters of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, would set ablaze my passion for the art of clay.

Today, my artistic repertoire knows no bounds. From crafting exquisite Mata Ortiz Pottery to sculpting clay masterpieces, adorning canvases with colored clay slips, and delving into the realms of Raku pottery, pit-fired pottery, and epoxy embellishments, my artistic endeavors encompass a diverse array of creative expressions. Additionally, I have recently embarked on an exploration of incorporating high-voltage wood burning techniques into my works, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistry with a contemporary flair.

Coy Quakenbush – a name synonymous with innovation, passion, and a profound love for the art of clay.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I find great joy in my artwork. It makes me happy. Whether it’s finishing a piece, starting a new one, or continuing work on something I began yesterday or last week. I believe this sense of enjoyment is key to creating meaningful art. If you don’t truly enjoy what you’re doing, you’re unlikely to persist, improve, or push your boundaries. Instead of driving your creativity forward, that lack of enjoyment will slowly consume you. In contrast, when you feel passion for your craft, you can push it to its limits.

For me, my time for artwork comes after I’ve completed all my other tasks—when I’ve checked off the chores and responsibilities for the day. At that point, I feel free to immerse myself in my art and enjoy every part of the creative process. There are three guiding principles that help me stay focused and centered: patience, quality, and an open mind.

Patience is essential, especially when working with clay, as I do. Clay has its own rhythm—it dries at its own pace, and there’s only so much you can do at a time. You can’t rush the process. You have to wait for the clay to set before you move forward. This lesson in patience extends beyond the studio and applies to every part of life. Having patience means understanding where you’re headed and being willing to see it through, even if the results aren’t immediate.

Then there’s quality. It’s not about mass-producing 20 pots just because you need 20 pots. It’s about crafting one good, hopefully near-perfect pot each time you sit down to work. Even though perfection is elusive, I aim to get as close as possible. And with each piece, I strive to improve on the last. In this way, I become my own quality control, and others notice the craftsmanship and care that goes into each piece. Quality speaks for itself and is integral to how people perceive and appreciate your work.

Finally, an open mind is crucial. If you’re closed off, thinking you already know everything, you won’t grow. You must be willing to listen and learn from others—there will always be people who know more than you do, no matter how skilled you become. If someone offers you feedback or critique, take it seriously. If you’re seeking help or advice, allow yourself to learn from their methods. Keeping an open mind allows you to absorb new techniques and ideas, which is vital for your progression as an artist.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

I’ve been creating pottery for many years, always working on my art in the evenings after finishing my other responsibilities. This routine allowed me to see my art time as a reward, a special opportunity to work on both my pottery and paintings. Over the past year, I decided to promote my pottery more seriously. As a result, I was juried into two galleries: one in Pittsboro, North Carolina, and the other in Burlington, North Carolina.

The Burlington gallery is fairly new, having opened just a few months ago. It features a variety of my work, including paintings, woodwork, pitfire pottery, raku pottery, and southwest pottery. In Pittsboro, my sculpture pieces and Mata Ortiz pottery designs are on display. Both galleries operate as co-ops, meaning the artists not only showcase their work but also help run the gallery. I find this co-op structure incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to engage directly with people interested in my art and that of other artists.

One of the unexpected benefits of being part of these co-ops is the opportunity to learn about different art forms. As I work in the galleries, people often ask questions not just about my pottery but about the work of other artists. This has opened my mind to a broader range of techniques and media. I’ve found myself in conversations with fellow artists, asking them how they achieved certain effects or developed particular styles. In turn, I’m able to share this knowledge with visitors, deepening their understanding of the work on display.

Being in these galleries has expanded my consciousness in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Each time I walk into one of these spaces, I feel like I’m stepping into a new world—a world of art. It’s exciting to see the new pieces other artists bring in, and it’s fulfilling to be part of a community that shares ideas and inspiration. The process of interacting with other artists has influenced my own work, especially in my sculpture and the designs I create on my pottery.

Each gallery is home to around 20-23 artists, which has given me the chance to meet people I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Their passion for their craft is inspiring, and witnessing their enthusiasm has only deepened my own.

In conclusion, I would encourage any artist not to isolate themselves. Don’t limit your creative process to working alone. Instead, join with other artists, even if they don’t work in the same medium as you. The exchange of ideas, techniques, and experiences will not only enhance your own work but enrich your artistic journey as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://CoyQuakenbush.com
• Instagram: Coy Quakenbush@coyq_artworks, coyquakenbush2
• Facebook: Coy Quakenbush, CoyQ Artworks, CQ fine arts
• Linkedin: CoyQuakenbush
• Twitter: CoyQuakenbush2
• Yelp: CQ Fine Arts Gallery
• Other: Email. Coyquakenbush@aol.com

  Cell: 1.336.213.7340

Image Credits

Coy Quakenbush