ABOUT THE ARTIST: John L. Steenhoven

While, as a ceramicist, clay is the structural essence of my work, fire – the 2300° Fahrenheit heat of the kiln - brings alchemy to creation. Vessels which were formed by even the slightest nuance of touch become rock hard, appearing in some instances as though iron. The richness of color emerges in counterpoint to the earth tones of exposed clay surfaces. And, the magic – that intense heat of the fire – has its way with each vessel. Seductively it torques, anchors, opens, and in the end manifests a final creation of which my initial vision for the work is but a starting point.   

This dance with serendipity accommodates commission work to the extent of overall scale, form, and color range. I welcome discussion.