lizrussellrhoneypots

Artist Statement:

I believe that daily interaction with art makes for happier people. I am driven by the notion that bringing art to the level of day-to-day is empowering and enables people to perceive themselves as artists instead of relegating that title only to those who post Art on the unapproachable walls of galleries and museums. Most of my work is functional in order that the otherwise inane tasks of waking, feeding, drinking may be an artistic experience. I hope that, in using my pottery, people will be reminded that every moment, every meal, every experience is art; not always beautiful, not always pristine; chaotic yet marvelously abundant with patterns of seemingly intentional perfection in the minutest of details. I make pottery because I love it. It brings me peace. In my work, I attempt to bridge the gap between fine and functional art, bringing the sacred into the mundane.

Natural forms, processes and images are my focus; from octopus tentacles and leafy sea dragon fins to cat tails and mantis mandibles. Incorporating these organic forms into the very shape as well as the drawings on my pottery, I hope to engender an appreciation and compassion for all creatures that share this planet. Living on the Russian River, I’ve become intimately involved in it’s endless and changing ocean journeys, as well as the creatures residing within. Working with bees further instills in me not only a seasonal awareness, but a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.

All my pots are high-fired stoneware (cone 6 or 2232^o) and are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe. They are handcrafted & hand painted original pieces. The images are slip painted and etched on greenware (a process called “scraffito”) which are bisque fired then glaze fired with an opalescent clear glaze. All glazes are nontoxic