 |
Shirley Piwonski spiwonski@msn.com
Through clay I have the joy of touching a very basic part of earth. I become inspired to transform the ball of clay into a unique piece of art. I can get totally “lost” in the clay and find an entire day has slipped by in the blink of an eye! I have been working with clay for almost ten years starting with learning authentic Indian pottery. This included making the pot by hand, painting it with paint brushes we made from yucca leaves and then only bisque firing the piece. |
That adventure led me to throwing pots on a wheel and learning different glazing techniques. I settled on the firing process called “Raku” because it offered unique and colorful pieces. I became obsessed with experimenting with glazes and then combinations of glazes. The whole process from making the pot, to the firing, to the smoke, and finally to the finished art piece became totally mesmerizing to me. It has become a way of life, and I look forward to “firing day” when my curiosity to discover a new look through the fire can be fulfilled.
My main influences have been from American Indian, Egyptian and Japanese/Chinese art. I am drawn to the geometric patterns and symbols that these cultures represent. I have developed many symbols in clay from Chinese and Egyptian cultures. I love the language of symbols, and have found a way to combine them with clay. Symbols are like the language of the soul and I like to be in touch with my spiritual self.
All these styles are a combination of who I am. I go on feeling and inspiration to create my work. I look for an impression from the inside, connect with the clay on the outside and away I go!
I hope you will enjoy my work and find it as inspiring as I do.
Dan and Shirley Piwonski