Maureen Karlstad is the VIVA Member Featured Artist for August

Personal Perspectives

In working with clay, I strive to make objects that are functional and beautiful in equal measure. All of my pots have an aesthetic usefulness to them, but some transcend that usefulness to become art objects as well.

One of the things I like the most about working on the potter’s wheel is the quickness with which a pot can be formed. And I like using glazing techniques that mimic the way in which the pot was formed—I like to glaze simply and quickly, then decorate with fresh and lively brush strokes inspired by calligraphy. 

Lately, I have been thinking more about pottery as craft and focusing on the forms that I am making. I have been making cups and bowls that I was planning to glaze with a matte white glaze, to keep the finished pot simple and accentuate the form. But after glazing, the white surface called to the artist in me, and I found that I need to add a brush stroke or two to make the piece feel complete. Maybe it’s the dual nature of pottery work that really calls to me—craft and art in equal measure.

The gallery’s First Thursday reception is normally followed by a 7:00 pm dinner next door at Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. While restaurants remained closed, Rooted Spoon is providing themed meals for pick-up each Thursday. Information can be found at www.rootedspoon.com.