Julie Anderson Ceramics

Artist Statement

The medium of ceramics is a never-ending teaching tool for me. It is both alluring and humbling. The organic plasticity of the clay is tempting and enjoyable, while technical mistakes and the variability of a reduction kiln environment can be catastrophic to the final piece. For me, the nature of ceramics is analogous to life - full of joy, excitement, growth and rebirth, as well as disappointment, frustration, failure and death.

My obsession with science, architecture, and design compels me to produce work that has been meticulously crafted. I work slowly and thoughtfully, taking precautions to prevent technical problems, while maintaining the curves and angles that define my work.

I strive to create artwork that is likeable and understandable for many people, basing my designs on familiar natural forms. The cyclical patterns found in nature are recurring subjects in my artistic pursuits. I am fascinated with the movement of water over the earth from mountains to rivers to oceans and then back into the sky.

My botanical background is revealed in nearly everything I produce. I believe many aspects of my own personality are intricately linked to certain characteristics of plants: the way some small or commonplace, yet complex, plants are easily overlooked amidst a lush forest; the delicate, fragile nature of leaves and flowers contrasted with the strength and power of the root system; the ability to convert and thrive on the waste products of the environment.