Pottery - An Age Old Art
Pottery, defined as "all fired ceramic wares that contain clay when formed", dates back to 24,000 BC when figurines of animals and people were created from clay and fired in kilns that were made from holes dug into the ground. Functional pottery followed in about 10,000 BC when people created pottery in the form of vessels for storing water and food. In about 6400 BC the Natufians created bowls in which to eat cereal.
Many famous potters of this time in history are Karin Karnes, Don Reitz, Adrian Saxe, Paul Soldner, and Toshiko Takaizu; to name a few. A search on the internet with take you to sites that will show you work of these fine artists.
I have many wonderful pottery pieces in my home; both functional and decorative. These pieces include a clock, lamp, pots, and vases. Most of them were created by Lezlie Finet, who lives in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Lezlie says of herself: "I never outgrew my childhood fascination with making pies out of mud, building castles in the sand, and just generally digging in the dirt..I love the feel of clay in my hands, working it and forming it into a vessel to use, or and object to enjoy...experimenting with surface treatments...testing of glazes...or trying a new firing method. I think the endless possibitities of pottery will continue to pique my creative curiosities and satisfy the whims of my mental Muse for many years to come."
Her work is wonderful; from her horsehair pieces to her Raku pottery. The styles vary but the quality never does.
You can find more of Lezlie's work at http://www.lezliefinetpottery.com/.
Another Northwest potter is Hilda Bradshaw. She is a delightful person who began making pottery as a hobby that evolved into a career of making stoneware and Raku pottery, as well as teaching. She has quite a collection of Raku fish that are very popular in Spokane, Washington, where she resides, to the Northwestern region that she loves.
Hilda describes her work this way: " I found my passion working with clay!!!!! A day in my basement studio provides joy and fulfillment to my soul. The immediacy of the process and the responsiveness of clay encourages me to explore new designs and methods of handbuilding and throwing on the potter's wheel.
I have enjoyed the fun and challenge of teaching at the Spokane Potters' Guild, which myself and other local potters founded.
My Stoneware and Raku Pottery have been available for sale in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho for 20 years. Each of my pottery pieces is carefully crafted for utilitarian and artistic enjoyment."
I consider Hilda a friend and enjoy participating in art shows with her as well as the years we worked together on the steering committee for the Town and Country Studio Tour.
Hilda has more great creations at http://www.forestcraft.com/hilda's_stuff.htm.
And last, but not least, is Gina Freuen. Gina has enjoyed a thirty-year career in her studio and teaching ceramics, introductory design, and drawing at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
Gina says of her work: "Evolved processes - clay forms that incorporate textures of indefinite origins, stained or fired to enhance pattern and overall energy.
Intent ~ for your pleasure ~ clay forms are functional in intent, stretched and twisted by fantasy, from sculptural water vessel to intimate hand held cup. Mixed media is presented archival, all one-of-a-kind compositions."
Her work is definitely interesting and unusual. I always enjoy what new creation she comes out with next.
More of Gina's work can be found at http://www.ginafreuen.com/
I hope you have enjoyed this little introduction into the world of potters and pottery. As you can see, the styles of these featured artists vary and are beautiful and unique in their own ways. If you take the time to visit the websites of these wonderful women I'm sure you will enjoying what they each have to offer.
Thanks for visiting my website. Enjoy your day!
