Statement

For five years the ceramics studio at Horace Mann has been a place of comfort. In this secluded corner of Horace Mann, far removed from the culture in the classrooms, I have learned to let the rest the world go and focus simply on what is in my hands. Led by my teacher, mentor and friend, Mr. Renner, I have learned more about myself in that room than in any other part of my life.

Much of my work in the studio has evolved, not just in concept but also in understanding when I can control the clay and when I must surrender to its natural tendencies. Beyond developing and articulating ideas, I have always been pushed to examine what influences this idea in order to better understand myself as an artist and a person.

No matter how much I’ve changed in this room, I’ve always been drawn to functional pieces. There was and is still something immensely appealing to me about being able to use your bare hands to create something that can be massed produced and used everyday. Seeing a mug in a diner has changed from just being a cup to something I can make myself. And my tendencies didn't stop at functionality. I’ve always gravitated toward clean and simple forms and glazing; never too much, always just enough to resonate as art.
This path led me to where I am now. There is something startlingly beautiful about just black and white glazing. And the tiny splash of vibrant red adds the extra layer I had been looking for.

So this is where I have ended up after five years – a large set of clean functional pottery (almost always wheel thrown) that features naturally simple and free glazing.

-Allison
March 2010