Paul Eshelman • Elizabeth, IL • Stoneware

 

I have always been drawn to the functional object. I seek the age-old marriage of elegant function and visually interesting form.

Aesthetically I have been guided by Japanese and Chinese crafts, European design movements, and simple utilitarian objects such as those produced by American Shakers. The best wares of these movements are beautifully conceived and crafted and are thoroughly functional.

 

I grew up in Iowa where my developing artistic interests were directed along practical lines. I received my B.A. in art from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and my M.F.A. in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

In 1981 I returned to the Midwest; since 1988 I have been living and working in Elizabeth, a small farming community in northwestern Illinois.

I make the pieces using a casting process in molds I personally design and make. The clay used is a red stoneware which has been fired to vitrification; this yields a tough, nonporous surface.

 

  
Areas are left unglazed to contrast visually and tactilely with the glazed surfaces. The glazes are all lead free. The wares may be safely used in the microwave and dishwasher as well as the conventional oven if the oven is not preheated. The pieces are designed for use and should provide many years of service.

 

Outside the Lines Art Gallery • Connie Twining & Stormy Mochal, Owners
409 Bluff Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 • (563)-583-9343 • info@otlag.com
© 2006-07 Outside the Lines Art Gallery

 

Site created by 365