Learned Works

Working with clay connects me to a long line of makers going back to the very beginning of human culture. It is a humbling and beautiful realization. It is also inspiring to see how the earliest of humans sought beauty and artistic expression in these early works, and how amazing their abilities were to create both artistic and useful objects without the modern assists of  fancy tools, chemicals, and electric powered equipment. Despite these modern supplies the challenge I face, gladly, every day in making pottery is trying to create not just a utilitarian object but to incorporate aesthetic and symbolic, or even spiritual aspects to the work. I certainly don't succeed with every piece, and perhaps never do succeed, but the aspiration keeps me eager to enter the studio and look at a lump of clay, wondering what I should do with it and what possibilities lie within it. The experience of the turning wheel, one's hands on the wet clay, and the gradual emergence of a graceful form is deeply meditative and satisfying. 

You can find works by Kathleen at Methow Valley Goods on the TwispWorks campus.