I have been working with clay full time for the past 7 years. My work focuses on raku as well as high-fired decorative pottery. For my raku pots the beauty of the form itself is extremely important; subtle variations in the curve or angles of the walls are carefully examined and redefined while throwing each piece. Some pieces are polished with terra sigillata imparting a fine silky finish. My aim is to achieve very delicate thin-walled pots with a unique character.

I have been experimenting with Raku techniques such as horsehair and sawdust firing to achieve various surface effects. The inability to completely control the firing makes the process very exciting. Presently I am concentrating on ” naked raku” as well as using multiple glazes to decorate bottle forms.

Wilderness canoe tripping is also my passion. I am drawn to the north and am stirred by its remoteness. The beauty of the land, trees, rocks and water and also the vulnerability one faces inspire me. One must rely on the environment in a way not normally encountered in modern society. This reflects the uncertainty of the raku firing process as well as the inherent properties of clay. This medium demands that the ceramicist adjust his or her methods in order to succeed.

For my high-fired pieces I am intrigued with the bowl form, which offers endless possibilities. Some of my bowls, which fire to a brilliant golden yellow, are decorated with clay that I found while canoeing northern rivers. For the past three years, my cone 10 work has been fired in a gas kiln. It is very exciting to experiment with a multitude of glaze and firing possibilities. Lately I have been making very large altered wall pieces and am exploring the use of multiple layers of glazes, slips, oxides and glass applied in a random way.

As an emerging artist, opportunities that allow me to explore new ideas and develop my skills as a professional artist are of utmost importance to my further development. I enjoy applying my skills as a craft-person, but the greatest rewards come from being able to incorporate artistic expression in my work. I am very lucky to be able to pursue my passion and I am seduced by the future possibilities.

Carol Grant