NATALIE WARRENS CERAMIC DESIGN
Since 1973, I have worked with various firing temperatures which has allowed me to explore the amazing nature of clay in regard to form and surface decoration.
In 2000, with the help of generous potters, I was introduced to the ancient firing technique of woodfiring in an Anagama kiln. The ultimate reward for me has been not the resulting pottery or sculpture, but the sense of community which surrounds the various kiln sites in the Pacific Northwest.
While I work mostly in mid-range porcelain clay (2200° Fahrenheit) and fire in a digitally controlled electric kiln, I am taking time to experiment with several high temperature stoneware and porcelain clay bodies, and when invited to an Anagama firing, strive to make specific work for each kiln.
Electric firing allows me to control not just the glaze colors, but also the designs, as most of my pieces are airbrushed with underglazes. The results are crisp images in vibrant, neon colors. This work is often mistaken for glass.
Woodfire is about letting go of control: letting the clay come alive, often without glaze, and allowing the flame and wood ash to make their marks.
Both techniques seem so opposite, yet I feel what I learn about form and surface in each process -- both in electric firings and in woodfire -- brings new energy to the clay and greater enthusiasm to my work.
Thank you for visiting my site! For more information or to purchase work, please contact me. Below is a list of my Upcoming Events.
In 2000, with the help of generous potters, I was introduced to the ancient firing technique of woodfiring in an Anagama kiln. The ultimate reward for me has been not the resulting pottery or sculpture, but the sense of community which surrounds the various kiln sites in the Pacific Northwest.
While I work mostly in mid-range porcelain clay (2200° Fahrenheit) and fire in a digitally controlled electric kiln, I am taking time to experiment with several high temperature stoneware and porcelain clay bodies, and when invited to an Anagama firing, strive to make specific work for each kiln.
Electric firing allows me to control not just the glaze colors, but also the designs, as most of my pieces are airbrushed with underglazes. The results are crisp images in vibrant, neon colors. This work is often mistaken for glass.
Woodfire is about letting go of control: letting the clay come alive, often without glaze, and allowing the flame and wood ash to make their marks.
Both techniques seem so opposite, yet I feel what I learn about form and surface in each process -- both in electric firings and in woodfire -- brings new energy to the clay and greater enthusiasm to my work.
Thank you for visiting my site! For more information or to purchase work, please contact me. Below is a list of my Upcoming Events.
UPCOMING EVENTS • 2012
Art Fairs and Exhibitions
Ceramic Showcase, Portland, OR. May 4-6, 2012 at the Oregon Convention Center.
10am-9pm, Friday & Saturday. 10am-5pm, Sunday. www.ceramicshowcase.org
ArtFest, Spokane, WA. June 1- 3, 2012. In beautiful Coeur d'Alene Park in Spokane's Browne's Addition. Friday, noon-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. www.northwestmuseum.org/index.cfm/Events_Other.htm
Utah Arts Festival, Salt Lake City, UT. June 21-24, 2012.
www.uaf.org/
Salem Art Fair & Festival, Salem, OR. July 20- 22, 2012. Located in Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Oregon. Friday, 10 am -7 pm, Saturday, 10-7, Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. http://aff2012.salemart.org/
Art in the Pearl, North Park Blocks, Portland, OR. Labor Day Weekend, September 1- 3, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm.
Monday, 10am-5pm. www.artinthepearl.com
Other 2012 events To Be Announced...
Teaching and Workshops
Ceramics: I, II, III @ Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham, OR. Fall quarter, 2012. MW, 6-9pm.
In-studio, private instruction: I offer one-on-one private instruction of wheel throwing, hand-building and decorative glazing for all ages in my studio in NE Portland. Please call or email me for more information.
GO TO LOWFIRE WOODFIRE CONTACT
Art Fairs and Exhibitions
Ceramic Showcase, Portland, OR. May 4-6, 2012 at the Oregon Convention Center.
10am-9pm, Friday & Saturday. 10am-5pm, Sunday. www.ceramicshowcase.org
ArtFest, Spokane, WA. June 1- 3, 2012. In beautiful Coeur d'Alene Park in Spokane's Browne's Addition. Friday, noon-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. www.northwestmuseum.org/index.cfm/Events_Other.htm
Utah Arts Festival, Salt Lake City, UT. June 21-24, 2012.
www.uaf.org/
Salem Art Fair & Festival, Salem, OR. July 20- 22, 2012. Located in Bush's Pasture Park in Salem, Oregon. Friday, 10 am -7 pm, Saturday, 10-7, Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. http://aff2012.salemart.org/
Art in the Pearl, North Park Blocks, Portland, OR. Labor Day Weekend, September 1- 3, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm.
Monday, 10am-5pm. www.artinthepearl.com
Other 2012 events To Be Announced...
Teaching and Workshops
Ceramics: I, II, III @ Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham, OR. Fall quarter, 2012. MW, 6-9pm.
In-studio, private instruction: I offer one-on-one private instruction of wheel throwing, hand-building and decorative glazing for all ages in my studio in NE Portland. Please call or email me for more information.
GO TO LOWFIRE WOODFIRE CONTACT
