Wayne Batchelder, Potter
I am a retired college professor who became interested in pottery over 20 years ago, and when I retired, I focused on pottery making! I first explored clay through pottery workshops at community art centers as well as with well-known potters who offered workshops. I have experienced a wide range of pottery making over the years including Raku, wheel throwing, hand building with slabs, pinch pots, and Kuriniki, a Japanese form of scooping clay from a solid piece of clay. I make the majority of my own glazes I am currently working towards learning to make glaze and clay materials from natural materials.
My interest is creating pottery and attaching sections of unique discarded tree branches that I discover during solo walks in a forest. The creative aspect of observing what develops from my combining clay and wood is peaceful and fulfilling. As I work I am further awakened to both myself and nature. I see my pottery as weaving a story that exudes truths and emotion.My hope is that as you view – and touch my pottery, you will hear the stories they are so eloquently sharing!
To find one’s way with clay, is to integrate one’s inner search with one’s outer practice.
In the deepest sense this is what I believe technique is: – The ability to breathe the spirit of our lives into what we make.
-Paulus Berensohn