Description
Materials used: Clay, glaze
Dimensions or size: 1/2" x 4"
A perfect way to keep your kitchen counter clean while providing an elegant way to store your spoon.
Artist Statement: Artist Statement:
I began my personal exploration in clay over 25 years ago. There is an inherent joy and relaxation in taking a lump of clay, wedging it, throwing it on the wheel, sometimes hand-altering after the wheel, then waiting for the bisque piece to come out of the kiln. The last step, glazing, turns that initial lump of clay into a final piece of art. I create hand-thrown functional clay pieces in medium or high fire clay bodies. Whether it is a mug, a bowl, a platter or a garlic scraper I work the clay to maintain a simplicity of design while considering the ergonomics of use.
I have always been fascinated with surface design and while my design aesthetic is minimalist I frequently use texture, carving, cutting or slip work to enhance the design and glaze. The texture or cutting on the surface allows the glaze to react differently, while smooth surfaces allow for the interaction of multiple glazes. Created in my Southeastern Pennsylvania studio I strive to create work that brings as much joy to the user as its creation brings to me. I use the sun as my potter’s mark because it symbolizes a fresh start - each lump of clay that touches my hands is a fresh start to a new creation.
Bio: Bio - My life in pottery began over 25 years with classes at a local arts center. I was immediately hooked and pottery became a passion that filled my non-day job hours. I expanded my classes to other art centers and new clay teachers, learning new insights and skills. In addition to the more formal classes I have enhanced my skills by taking workshops with world-renowned clay artists, including Bill Van Gilder, Simon Leach, Jerry Bennett and Tomoo Hamada.
I design and create my work at my Southeastern, PA studio, always striving to create pieces that bring joy to the user. My work aesthetic is minimalist with an eye towards ergonomics of use. The simplistic designs are enhanced with carvings, piercings and slip work to allow the glazes to play over the altered surfaces to create dimension and depth, and with layers of glazes to add a new palette to the surface.
I am a member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen where I serve on their Board and I am a member of the Haverford Guild of Craftsmen, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. I am also a member of The Potters Exchange, The Potters Guild of New Jersey, the Mt. Airy Artist Garage and The Artists of Yardley. My work "Trees" won an award at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts Member Show. I participate in many juried fine craft shows, including the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Crafts, the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts & Sciences shows, The Brandywine Festival of the Arts and many other regional fine craft events. My work can also be found on the web and in local galleries. To follow my work and to find out where I will be, follow me on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerleSlyhoffPottery and check out my web page www.MerleSlyhoffPottery.com.
$22.00 *
Price subject to sales tax.
Item Number: MS11
