Steven Daniel
107 East State Street
Hood River, OR 97031
https://www.angelfire.com/art/madeinthegorge/
oakridge@gorge.net
https://www.angelfire.com/art/madeinthegorge/
oakridge@gorge.net
My interest in clay began in the early 50’s digging adobe in my backyard. I was 12-years old when I was first introduced to a potter’s wheel. I attended the California College of Art and Crafts in the mid-60’s where I met Marguerite Wildenhain (1896-1983). Marguerite was a french-born ceramic artist, author and teacher who was one of the first students to enter the Bauhaus in Weirmar, Germany, which is known as the most influential art school of the 20th century. She joined Pond Farm Artists’ Colony (located 75 miles north of San Francisco) in the late 40’s. The colony disbanded in 1951 but for three decades Marguerite continued to accept approximately 20 students per year. My trip to Pond Farm was the beginning of a long friendship and learning experience that turned into my lifelong pursuit. In the early 70’s I set up his own studio in Dee, Oregon, which I later moved to 107 East State Street in Hood River, Oregon. I work in a centuries old European tradition. I mix all of my clay by hand with my own formulas; using ball, fire and red clay, with the addition of felspar and local sand. I turn everything on a self-made kick wheel. When the pottery is at the leather stage I put on colored slip decorations (pigment of my own formula, suspended in clay and painted or poured on the surface). I then usually incise patterns into the surface using a knife. This is allowed to dry for a couple of weeks and then the items are bisque fired (placed in a kiln and heated until a certain temperature is reached). This firing process takes about 12 hours and changes the clay chemically to a solid form. The pottery is then removed from the kiln and dipped or poured with a hand mixed and uniquely formulated glaze. This glaze forms a glass-like surface on the pottery. The pottery is then placed back in the kiln until a higher desired temperature is reached (approximately 8 hours). In addition to production vessels for everyday use, I make wall plaques and sculptural (people) pots. In addition to my pots, my brush face (toothbrush holders), French butter dishes, and teapots are very popular. I have several potters wheels and am available to hold classes on a private or semi-private level. You may call me at 541-386-8709.
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