Artist Statement of Process

I've been a studio potter for over 30 years. I started working in porcelain over twelve years ago. Using white clay, I found it exciting to create simple, designed work that was to be used as accent pieces. Besides the natural forms I create, I carve designs on this work to reflect the shapes. Color is another factor I incorporate into my work. With it being fairly simple I use many bright and exciting colors that can be mixed andmatched together. I feel as though my degree in graphic design has guided me in creating work that has a pleasing shape and design and color. My work is created by several methods in working with clay. Some pieces are thrown on the wheel and then altered. Some are clay slabs formed over plaster shapes, the sides are individually cut to create the design I'm looking for. Then, as they dry, I throw a foot on them and carve designs on the inside or top that reflect the design of the piece. Still others that are slab pieces that are put on plaster shapes. I press clay stamps into them, that I have carved. They are finished on both the top and the bottom to outline the underside. They are all signed with either a stamp I have made or with a wooden tool.

Gail Pendergrass