Artist Statement
For over 30 years I’ve had my hands in clay. My journey was self directed, with an avid desire to learn the required skills to create the pots I love. The feel of the clay and the quiet, centered moments of forming on the wheel are magical.
I make functional pottery designed for everyday use and special occasions – minimalist and elegant in form, colorful and pleasing to the touch.
My process:
All my pieces are hand made, thrown on a wheel. I use several kinds of clay: porcelain, white or brown stoneware, smooth black clay, and gritty black clay. All are fired in an electric kiln at cone 6.
The functional pieces are mostly made of porcelain and tend to be rounded. The glazes usually have a satin finish, smooth to the touch and in variety of colors. The black clays are used for larger pieces or sculptural forms.
Wood fired pots:
Wood firing has an intensive firing cycle – 2 days to load the kiln, a team of 8 participants, stoking the fire around the clock for 4 to 6 days, and then 7 days to cool down. At 2300 degrees F, wood ash and flames randomly lick the surface of the pots creating unique surfaces. Every pot is different and can never be duplicated. It’s a dynamic, fiery experience.
Liz Hamann
Studio Potter
Hudson, NY
“Clay (pottery) represents ‘timelessness’. It’s old and modern, and if you don’t break it, it will last for hundreds, maybe thousands of years.” Anna Lerinder