William Blackman

wdblackman@netscape.net

Artist’s Statement: I have been working (and playing) with clay, off and on as a hobby, for about thirty years. Most of the time, I find it to be a calming, contemplative and meditative endeavor. I’m often in a hurry in other areas of life, but when working with clay, I usually am in no particular hurry. I find that for me, it’s as much about the journey or process, as it is about the destination or final product. Spontaneity, adventure and having fun along the way are high on my list.
I have worked in clay or taken classes at studios and schools at various locations in Michigan and in San Francisco.
I have always liked functional forms, although I respect those who work with abstract designs, and I like to combine thrown forms with slab building.
The personality and character of any particular pot or clay creation evolves and changes, from the wet clay stage through bisque firing, glazing and final firing. It has been my experience that it you can’t be completely sure what the finished work is going to look like at the end of the process, until the process is complete. While you do have some inkling of the final appearance, surprises may be in store, especially in the glaze firing. Some surprises good, some bad. One glaze can give many different looks in different applications of the glaze, in different applied thickness, or in different firings.