Hand Forged Pottery-Mandy Klauck

My process is that of embracing the mistakes and imperfections often associated with works of pottery and using that as the decorative approach itself.  Gouging out sections of slip in a hurried manner as it would have naturally occurred, and using that to inform an organic rhythmic heartbeat around the piece. Too loosely applying slip causing drips or uneven sections of application, that becomes the dimensional or architectural interest of an otherwise simple form.  Two contrasting clay bodies inadvertently get mixed together in your recycling process, throw it and trim it and see the stunning swirls and striations that these pieces create when they come together.  So much more powerful than they were apart.  The translucent nature of my glazing, and the simplistic forms, are all meant to draw emphasis to the organic, ephemeral slip application and decoration of the surface of my pieces.  Highlighting all, hiding none.

I have never been drawn to perfection.  The odd, interesting, all-encompassing clumsiness of life is where the true beauty lies.  My work is meant to be a cathartic process that allows myself to work past the idea of art as precious and to allow the users of my ware to enjoy the pieces, but not dismay at their inevitable breaking or ruin down the line.