Chris Trabka - Potter
I was introduced to clay
while in high school, yet, somehow only pursued it casually during
college. The path was not a normal progression. Only after settling
down with a family, house and “career” did clay become a significant
part of my life. With little formal instruction, my education has
been an “independent study”. Clay’s appeal to me is its
problematical nature; simple and complex. Each step along the path
to a finished form (forming, assembling, trimming, firing, and
glazing) is simple. The complex nature of clay comes from the
multitude of decisions made at each step and how those decisions
affect the other possible steps (decisions made about the last step,
firing, significantly affect the first steps).
When trying to master clay,
I believe, you must have control of and control as many steps in the
process that you have time and energy for. The clay I use is
purchased; a custom mix. The glazes have become my own after years
of subtle changes. I built my own kiln.
I enjoy working on two
different types of pieces, those that are held (bowls, mugs, serving
dishes, and baking dishes) as well as those not held (wall platters,
floor vases). With both types of forms, I look for a balance between
line and form, color and texture, hue and tone. After each glaze
firing, the kiln lets me know where I achieved an important new
result and where the final form just doesn’t work.
Chris
Artist


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