Dear SPA,
My name is Maya Miller, and I am a student in Ohio, United States. I am reaching out because I have been nominated to apply for a Watson Fellowship, which would fund me for a year of learning in various locations outside of the United States. I am a ceramic artist, farmer, and writer, studying the intersections of land stewardship, farming, pottery, and material culture. There is so much to learn about the rich traditions of farming and pottery in Scotland in urban as well as geographically remote areas.
With several years of farming and studio experience, I would like to spend the fellowship year exploring the ways soils and clays nurture and feed us practically and creatively. The reciprocity with land integral to farming and the potter’s relationship with clay are both grounded in attention to non-human material, reliance on human community, and embodied knowledge production. I love that land, crops, and animals are loud about their needs. Clay is too.
From Neolithic pottery to Wemyss Ware to the contemporary (and yet timeless) work of Lorraine Robson, to the country potters only known to their communities, Scotland has so much to explore. I have spent this whole summer tending sheep. I love sheep. And I know that Scotland has more sheep than people. I would feel right at home.
I would love to spend several weeks learning from a ceramicist or community of ceramicists in Scotland. The Watson grant would allow me to come be of service as a volunteer and to learn in the process. I am wondering if you can provide me with suggestions of artists and/or studios or collectives that might welcome me. The Watson would cover all of my expenses, and I would, of course, pitch in to help at every opportunity.
I am attaching my resume here.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
All the best,
Maya Miller