David Gilbaugh: The Imaginist, 2009, sculpture, 21”(W) x 33”(H) x 23”(D), hand-built coil, B-mix stoneware, cone 8, black stain brushed in crevices, water washed iron and rutile stain throughout, interior - red engobe.
ceramist
Suzanne Stumpf: Whale Sounds, 2007, 8” h x 29” w x 20”d, porcelain or porcelain paperclay; handbuilt with thrown necks; reduction fired to cone 10.
Whale Sounds is a multi-component, interactive sculptures. The shapes were inspired by listening to a recording of whales in which the whales’ calls ballooned rapidly and diminished into fine, thin, high endings. (Although some of the objects can elicit tones when blown, this was not my intention.)
Deborah Britt
Deborah Britt’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View her works
“My work mainly consists of salt-fired Porcelain and Stoneware. The salt-firing process is unique in that salt is introduced into the kiln when it reaches the proper temperature (2345 degrees F for my work). Inside the kiln, the salt vaporizes and settles onto the pieces, forming its own glaze over the clay body. I also use various slips and glazes to further decorate the pots.
In my functional work, my goal is to make the pieces “special”. I hope that everyday users will appreciate being “in the moment” as they sip from their hand-made cup or enjoy soup from their favorite bowl.
My sculptural pieces all have specific meaning for me, but sometimes are just fun! I don’t wish to impose my views of the work upon others, but would rather viewers lend their own interpretation to the pieces within their own contexts and ideas. Most importantly, I hope the sculptures will inspire viewers to pause and consider how the piece relates to their lives.” Deborah Britt
Kathy Pallie
Kathy Pallie’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View her works
“As a commercial artist designing products for retail store windows and interior displays, trade show booths and special events, I worked with many different materials to create three-dimensional objects. When I retired and started working with clay, I realized that clay was an exciting and wonderfully tactile material which I had to explore in depth.
I’m intrigued with the concept that the artist’s hand can manipulate clay into a work of art which expresses an emotion, tells a story, can be functional or is purely visually appealing. At times, the clay seems to have a life of its own as it leads me, morphing from one form and concept to another. On other occasions, I can envision the completed piece before even touching the clay.
Inspired by Nature, my work reflects the unlimited variety of textures, patterns, and energy I find in my natural surroundings. Texture and the tactile sense have always been an important part of my work. I hand build with clay slabs, coils, and extruded shapes and use various clay bodies, firing processes, glazes and cold finishes for making different forms and surface textures.
I enjoy creating artworks which not only express my love of Nature, but which also allow me to bring the essence of the outdoors into interior spaces.” Kathy Pallie
Els Wenselaers: Racemouse, 2009, 38 x 40 x 38 cm, Ceramics, leather, metal, wood, leather case with painted text on it
