Terry at work in the studio
Creating functional pottery that is well-balanced and pleasing to the eye and touch has been my goal since I began throwing pots in the mid 70’s. Usefulness is an inseparable element of the aesthetic of my pottery. When you pour tea from one of my teapots, it needs to feel right. The balance needs to be perfect. The tea needs to pour smoothly. My pottery integrates form and function so that the resulting work is as beautiful as it is useful.
I work in buff stoneware, firing the pieces to Cone 10 in a reduction atmosphere. I use a variety of techniques to achieve design. The simplest decoration is achieved overlapping glazes. In some instances, patterns are brushed onto the surface of the bisqued pot.
Brushed temmoku and woo blue leaf design under rutile glaze
In other instances, pieces are carved with designs when leather hard and the carved areas of the bisqued pot are filled with glaze and waxed.
Carved cherry blossom designed inlaid with glaze
Alternatively, hand-built designs are attached to the surface of leather hard pots and the applied designs are glazed and waxed. All are finished by dipping or pouring glaze over the decorated surfaces.
Recently I have been applying texture to the surface before throwing the pot which requires that a portion of the form be thrown from the inside without touching the outside surface. These pieces are completed by layering glaze over the textured surface where the first layer is wiped from the raised surface before pouring the second glaze layer.
Personally I get pleasure from living with, enjoying and in some cases, using the art in my home every day. As an artist, I get a great deal of satisfaction from creating pieces that people love to use.
Textured surface glazed with two glaze layers