evergreen leaves / berries native grasses textures

I create my pottery using the slab-building method. Clay is rolled out flat, cut, then imprinted with texture before being formed into functional or decorative vases and pots and then fired in the kiln. The results of clay, glazes, heat, and the flashing of flame through the kiln vary and are unique to each firing. The mid-fire beige or dark stoneware clay is fired in an electric kiln. These pieces have a very natural feel to them. The high-fire stoneware and porcelain is fired in a gas soda kiln. Soda pieces have a rich, varied surface and sometimes a satin or orange-peel texture.

I create the organic textures in the collections called Evergreen, Berries and Leaves, and Native Grasses by imprinting real plants (mostly native to Minnesota and the Upper Midwest) into the clay. Because each leaf and branch has its own unique characteristics, no two pieces are ever exactly alike. The collection called Textures is imprinted with an endless variety of found objects including shells, nuts, vintage lace, crocheted doilies, fabrics, and sewing notions.

Lead free glazes are used in order for the functional pieces to be food safe. They may be used in a microwave and oven as long as you preheat the pottery with the oven. As with all fine handmade objects, hand washing is advised.