Max: Artist Statement

My artwork is about experimentation—new materials, new techniques, and, most importantly, new ideas.  Originally my work was purely functional but, after a demonstration from artist Brett Thomas, I discovered a new type of art: non-functional stream of consciousness pieces.  Using, the wheel, my first experiments with this new type had a rough, handled feel.  More recently, I have been experimenting with use of water, removing the coarseness of my pieces and causing them to crack.  Off the wheel, I’ve been working with large slabs of clay and combining clays of different hardness.  My intention with my work is to challenge the concept of what is aesthetically pleasing: I hope my work shows that even cracked, asymmetrical pieces are as beautiful as a perfectly even bowl.

Max
12/08/05