March 2022: Pat Horsely Ceramics

“My work is strongly influenced by architecture, both primitive and contemporary (i.e. the home, the Temple and the skyscraper). I base my work on the idea of the container vessel, and at time, utilitarian forms, such as tea pots and lidded jars. Some of the work-bowls, vases and platters-fall into a more ceremonial category. The image of the tea pot has become a major focus of work and time. These teapots are non-utilitarian, and are to be viewed in their profile. My primary interest is in the process and the physical dance of making the pots. Most of my work is thrown, or thrown then altered, with some of the pieces using slabs and thrown parts. Some of my work is made in sections with handles and feet made from extruded parts. All the work is stoneware, fired to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit in a reduction-fired kiln. The glazes use oxides from manganese and copper for colors from silver-black to purple-blues and greens. The surfaces are semi-matt to very dry sculptural glazed surfaces. I use a wax-resist technique for Decorating some work, which archives graphic, hard–edge patterns. A new technique is the use of colored clay slips (white and one with copper), trailed and brushed on pottery surfaces. The slip patterns are edited and resemble the bamboo growing outside the studio door.