|
I make
both porcelain and stoneware pottery. My forms lie within
the functional tradition.
My work is reduction fired in a natural gas kiln to cone 10
temperatures (approximately 2350 degrees F). All of my glazes
are functional, and food and use safe (dishwasher safe, microwave
safe, etc.). My techniques center around wheel-thrown ware that
subsequently may be extensively altered. My
pottery is about form, surface, and process. Pottery is of the
earth, and my forms are most deeply inspired by the chaotic
yet rhythmic forms, patterns, and colors of natural processes.
The fracturing in a desert sandstone cliff, or the rhythmic
undulation of water flowing over stone creates shapes that reveal
the dynamic energy of nature. Weathering, erosion, and corrosion
are essential forces which reveal the inner character of a form
and create patterns of color and texture which I find beautiful
and exciting. Dynamic forms and interesting and active glaze
surfaces are an important part of the aesthetics of my pottery.
Every pot tells a story - a narrative of the intersection of
the making of the pot and the personality of the potter. The
form, surface, and firing of the pot are what communicate this
narrative. When you own a handmade pot (indeed, any pot), you
own a piece of this narrative. What is a good pot? It is one
that you like, of course. But some pots have the energy and
vitality of life itself, and this is what I strive for in my
pottery.
Judy
Treichel (see Links page) and I in collaboration have created
WovenPots™, altered pottery forms with
woven pine needle rims and upper sections. A variety
of glazes may be used, and the pine needles may be either
dyed or left their natural color. Judy at time weaves
beads and other objects in with the pine needles to create
unique. WovenPots™ are functional in the sense
that baskets are functional. A selection of WovenPots™
can be viewed on the Gallery page of this website.
|
