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My work as a ceramic artist often takes me in two different yet complimentary directions. I construct Objects. One series is highly influenced by my study of traditional burnished vessels of Africa and the New World. While my goal is not to make functional storage vessels, as was /is the tradition, I find myself captivated by the forms and line of traditional pieces. I take a great deal of joy from their fabrication.

            My other branch of work references Iron and Bronze weapons of Africa. These pieces are most severe. They are constructed with the intent to create uneasiness in the viewer. The harsh points are balanced by the buttery smooth surface that begs to be handled.  I find that making a piece that in intrinsically violent yet holds a surface that invites the viewer closer, dares them to touch it an intriguing experiment in human nature.

 I balance stubbornly on the edge of tradition. My ceramic forms are coil built, slipped and burnished one of the most ancient forms of clay production. My concessions towards modernity are not in the production but in the products used in my slips and the Barrel firing itself. I have spent several years developing a smooth glass like surface on my forms and allow only the smoke of the barrel to enhance the surface.

                   I do accept commissions and would love to discuss any project you had in mind. Please contact me at pjandersonceramics@gmail.com.