Donald Clark is a maker, an author and he teaches our monthly Analogue Art class—we are so happy he is part of the Make-It community and comes by to share his creativity and knowledge with all of us. Keep reading for Donald’s bio and our conversation!
Donald has taught classes to students from kindergarten through college. He is the author of two books; Making a Living in Crafts was published by Lark in 2006, and Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists was published by Schiffer in 2021. He
has also written articles for Crafts Report, Studio Potter, and Ceramics Monthly. Throughout the years, in addition to his focused studio work, Clark was a partner in P!NCH in Northampton and Ferrin Gallery in Lenox and Pittsfield. He was and is a busy man!
Describe your first visit to Make-It Springfield. What did it feel like? What did you think?
I was out for a walk with a friend when we came upon a sidewalk filled with bikes. We stopped and learned that RADSpringfield Bike Shop was a project of Make-It Springfield. I was immediately filled with happiness that there was a place where kids could come and learn how to repair their bikes.
What role do you think Make-It Springfield can play in our city and the Pioneer Valley?
Make-It Springfield is the perfect vehicle to engage Springfield residents in creative pursuits in a safe, nurturing environment in their neighborhood. It is important for MIS to remain available to residents regardless of their ability to pay. I do believe MIS is the only “visual arts educational” facility in Springfield, certainly the only one downtown. Perhaps in the future MIS could engage, for pay, artists and craftspeople to teach 2- or 3-day intensive workshops offered at going tuition rates.
Why did you decide to get involved with Make-It Springfield?
Not long after the bike discovery I went to MIS and found Sheldon Smith. He and I worked out the idea for an ongoing collage class. We scheduled it for the third Wednesday of the month. This was several years ago and I’m still meeting and working with people seeking a creative experience.
Is there a specific environment or material that’s integral to your work?
I am most productive in a calm environment surrounded by boxes and files filled with the materials I use to make my collages and assemblages. Betye Saar, assemblage artist, once told me a collage artist needs piles of material to choose just the right one for the work at hand. I do have piles and find myself sorting through them for just the right piece.
What role does creativity play in your life? Why do you make things?
Perfect days are the ones that I get to spend hours at my table, choosing, arranging, rearranging and finally gluing my arrangements in place. Since an early age I have been driven to make things that have ranged from paintings, quilts, gardens and now collages and assemblages. At this point in my life, I aim to build my time around the pleasures of creating.
Thank you, Donald!
