A bit of history about Marilyn
Marilyn started “playing with clay” as a child. Of course it was called mudpies then.
It held endless fascination for
her, but certainly not a direction in her life.
It wasn’t until she had successfully pursued another career, did she re-find clay.
During the 70’s she opened a pottery studio in Chicago, and exhibited throughout
the Midwest.
She left her love of clay to pursue a career (in computers) so she could put her children into college. It was only after 23 years and retiring and moving to Oregon, did she re-find clay once again. Her husband, Bob, built her a studio and has been her champion in all of her art work. Today, Marilyn is happily immersed in all aspects of the clay world. She more recently is painting in acrylics and doing clay monoprints. Welcome to her world.
Artists Statement
"Clay is the window that allows me to see the creativity in myself. Each of my pieces represents its own moment and therefore is one-of-a-kind. My work encompasses many disciplines: raku, smoke fired, stoneware, all with a strong sculptural quality. Many of my pieces are meant to be placed in a garden.
The spontaneity of the medium and the somewhat unpredictable results are endlessly interesting. As the pieces take shape, the clay reveals its qualities in each interaction. Most often the pieces design themselves - I am just the conduit. Form comes first and always has been the most essential element of my work, although glazework, especially with raku, is very compelling.
I work mainly with slab and coils. I want the “clayness” to be apparent. I love everything, from irregular shapes with torn edges and high texture to smooth silky-surfaced flowing shapes. Through the firing process I capture these qualities for all time.
Much of my raku work reflects a vision of the ocean and conveys movement and sensuous rolling surfaces. In the raku firing, the random drift of quiet smoke and flame on the clay is wondrous..The breadth of potterymaking is an ongoing fascination. Understanding clay bodies, mixing glazes, using varied firing techniques, finding new objects to use for texture - these are just a few of the many ways that keep me obsessed."
My new love of two-dimensionsal work - acrylics and clay monoprints let me play with color in a way that is so different than clay. Yet, the textures that I love seem to spill over into my paintings, happily. I am really enjoying myslef jumping from one medium to another, all in the same studio!!I love to play with clay. It is an amazing medium and everyday it amazes me with its astonishing capabilities. Many people ask how I arrive at a particular form or shape and truthfully, many times the pot makes itself. I seem to just be there. Please browse my gallery of work and come back often, as my work is everchanging. Thanks and enjoy.