SO 8 Episode 08: Rosanne Ebner and Liberty Valance – The Clay Knows Better

Two Old Bitches: Stories from Women who Reimagine, Reinvent and Rebel

Gifted ceramic artists Rosanne Ebner, 67, and Liberty Valance, 73, have worked with clay for five or six decades. They say laughing that “it just happened,” yet it is clear that their art is an irresistible and abiding calling. It surfaced for Liberty in preschool where she created her first works–an elephant and ashtray she still has— and for Rosanne in high school. Liberty and Rosanne are also generous and skilled teachers. They are both instructors at the Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center, a wonderful space in Long Island City, NY, where they are longstanding members of a diverse intergenerational community of teachers, students and affiliated artists connected by craft and care, and where members are making ceramics into their nineties. Idelisse – who solidified her profound love of clay over the past 9 months at Brickhouse -- has been enthralled by the ways this community satisfies its members human need for a sense of belonging, mutual support and celebration. In our conversation, all three share the joys of losing themselves and the awareness of time when engaging deeply in creative practice. If you’re curious about what Rosanne and Liberty mean when they describe working with clay as a collaboration where often “the clay knows better” or about the story of how Liberty Valance got her name (Hint: It involves a short-lived marriage and a spiritual teacher), you’ll want to join us for a big-hearted and laughter filled conversation about art, work and life with these two dearest of friends.

Check out some recent ceramic art by Rosanne, Liberty and Idelisse right here!