I’ve
always been a very hands-on, mechanical, and “outdoors”
kind of guy and was introduced to clay in 1995. With my
background in Mechanical Engineering, patternmaking and
non-ferrous foundry casting, I have developed an intuitive
connection with forming and manipulating a wide variety
of materials, including the various clay bodies with which
I now work, stoneware and porcelain.
While producing the structural
stability and high definition of my work, I’m always amazed
at the symbiotic relationship I establish with the clay
as it flows through my fingers. I enjoy exploring the limits
of the various materials with which I work, while keeping
the stability of the piece in mind.
After a 5-year hiatus, I returned to pottery
in 2006. I’m now forging ahead with my investigation into
manipulating earth, water, fire and other natural elements
into pieces that are as unique as they are synergistic.
Love of nature compels me to incorporate natural components
and textures into my work, some of which might be considered
by some as atypical. As time progresses, I look forward
to expanding the scope and freedom of my style with form,
glazes, firing techniques and additional natural ingredients.
I am currently working with high-fired stoneware,
porcelain, and a variety of glazes for same. I fire my work
up to Cone 10 (2380 Deg.F) in a heavy-reduction atmosphere
using a natural gas, updraft kiln. In the past, I have also
done raku but the challenges of high-firing now intrigue
me most.
If
you have any questions, please...
Contact me at
Copyright 2007 - Jim LeVander All rights reserved.
