Artist Statement
A Lifetime in Clay
I’ve had a lifelong passion for making functional pottery, the Zen quality of the time at the wheel has always been mesmerizing and calming to me. Today my work has left the realm of high production for “slow clay”. Now my work has morphed and has many sculptural elements. I take my time with each piece and work with it until it says, “I’m here, you can stop now.”
Artist Bio.
My life with clay began as a child, growing up next door to two University Ceramic Artists in Indiana. Those two individuals seeded a lifetime passion in me.
This early influence was exceptional, and I became focused on clay, sculpture and ceramics. Private study with working artists as a high school student, and then on to Indiana University for a BA in Ceramic Arts. As I left the university I worked as a Production wheel thrower for two others. One in Indiana and then on to Austin, Texas where I eventually became a partner in The Clarksville Pottery of Austin. Sunset Canyon Pottery was the business that my husband and I evolved from the Clarksville connection.
Sunset Canyon Pottery was a 25 year adventure that had many faces. We sold a well-designed line of utilitarian and decorative ware both wholesale and retail. We educated and trained employees, taught classes to the public, and ran a Gallery that featured many regional and nationally known artists. During that same 25 years, I taught at St. Edwards University as an adjunct 4 years, served 2 years each as regional director for Texas Clay Arts Association and later 2 years as Program director for Greater Austin Clay Artists.
In 2016, I turned 60 and my husband, Bill Hauser, helped me close the doors on Sunset Canyon Pottery. The business moved on under the new ownership of our long-time employee and production manager. We moved to San Marcos, TX, built a new studio and a new house. This was a conscious move to change the tempo of our lives. Now the focus in my work is letting go of the busy-ness, quieting down my mind, and having fun with the clay.
To that end, I’m exploring other methods of expression. Moving from utilitarian pottery to art pottery, and sculpture, representing my desire to play in the clay! I am rediscovering the joy of working slow, giving each piece the time it needs to evolve, and having fun while I’m at it.
The body of work presented here is transitional and diverse. I’m looking forward to what will develop as I keep working.