Textured Porcelain I work with porcelain. I’m drawn to porcelain because of its durability, coupled with a hint of unpredictability. Once the clay is sufficiently dried, I trim to create a uniquely textured finished product. It is then fired in a soda kiln which yields rich, unique, earthy colors.
You will also be able to meet and see the work made by: Rebecca Hillman, Julie Cunningham & Marian Baker.
Rebecca Hillman Pottery: My work is intuitive...sometimes figurative...often functional. Influenced by nature, my love of cooking, gardening, and nature...and yes sometimes politics and the headlines and concerns of the day. Mostly, I want people who live with my work to smile when they see it...touch...handle and use. Currently I'm diving back into mid firing electric at home. But have access to cone 10 reduction...and wonderful workshops and craft schools...both here in Maine and abroad. For the past few years I've been focusing on surface...and sculpting skills...lately, incorporating my love of sculpture adding more detail to the surface...I am starting to get back to throwing and am happy with the looseness...in some of my recent work...I look forward to a few wood firings this year with the NHPG. Thanks for listening.
Julie Cunningham Pottery: In my ceramic work, I try to recreate the depth of color and texture that I see in the environment. These organic elements are connected to my daily life - living by the ocean, hiking and skiing in the mountains, and generally enjoying the outdoors with my family. I also consider how shapes in nature are similar to the contours of our body, and have tried to make references to these shapes by using their gestures and visual characteristics. It is important to me that viewers discover elements of the natural world while engaging with my pieces.
Marian Baker Pottery: I make useful pots for two principal reasons: because I love to make them and because I believe using handmade things can enrich the lives of the users. I choose colors and designs that are rooted in nature: ocean, beach stones, moss and sky. Inspiration for form comes from some of the traditions of English and Japanese pottery. Depth and richness in glazes are created by using specific shiny and satin surfaces together in contrast. For design, I explore both pattern and symbols, often sprung from nature, in collaboration with the form to increase a sense of mystery. It is my intent to add to that my fascination with the material and ideas about function, as well as to reveal and honor the process. I see my pots as a bridge between art and daily life.