I have been an artist since I can remember. My favorite toys were play doh and big
sketch books. In elementary school I moved a lot, and could always make a friend
at a new school by drawing something to arouse curiosity.
At Winona State University I earned a BA in art, and concentrated as much as
possible in ceramics. I was fresh out of college and found a job with a large scale
production pottery in central Iowa.
"Earthworks" was where I spent a year employed with total studio involvement.
Not only did I produce slab constructed vessels ,slump moulded dinnerware, tiles,
and extruded pieces, I participated in every other phase of production pottery ,
glazing, loading kilns, packing and shipping, travelling to art shows to sell the ware,
and all of the regular studio cleaning chores. This experience led to work in several
more potteries as Paul (who I met at Earthworks) and I began our partnership and
Morris Pottery in 1982.
After some time without roots, we settled on 6 acres north of Ogilvie , and while
living in a camper we built an Olson fast fire kiln. This was a very efficient wood
fired kiln that we used for several years to produce our salt glazed stoneware. But
wait! This is MY page right?
Okay I have always preferred hand building clay , and never gained proficiency with
the wheel. My contribution to the production work involved sculpted fish,
sculptural handles for mugs and jar lids, and occasionally slip trailing pieces.
It was in 1991 when we formed the partnership of Rockhard Stoneware that I
became a full time decorator for our own version of a production pottery. This was
great for me because I was raising a daughter ,Lily, and a huge garden,and a host
of pets. Also practicing my violin, playing in bands and just jamming with friends. In
1999 I began my job as a substitute teacher.
When Rockhard dissolved in 2003 , we had a vision of a slower pace of production,
and a more home based marketing plan.
I have always maintained my own voice in clay . No matter how involved I was with
the rest of my life, I have been steadily working on sculptures. But if I keep
blabbing there won't be room for pictures!!
sketch books. In elementary school I moved a lot, and could always make a friend
at a new school by drawing something to arouse curiosity.
At Winona State University I earned a BA in art, and concentrated as much as
possible in ceramics. I was fresh out of college and found a job with a large scale
production pottery in central Iowa.
"Earthworks" was where I spent a year employed with total studio involvement.
Not only did I produce slab constructed vessels ,slump moulded dinnerware, tiles,
and extruded pieces, I participated in every other phase of production pottery ,
glazing, loading kilns, packing and shipping, travelling to art shows to sell the ware,
and all of the regular studio cleaning chores. This experience led to work in several
more potteries as Paul (who I met at Earthworks) and I began our partnership and
Morris Pottery in 1982.
After some time without roots, we settled on 6 acres north of Ogilvie , and while
living in a camper we built an Olson fast fire kiln. This was a very efficient wood
fired kiln that we used for several years to produce our salt glazed stoneware. But
wait! This is MY page right?
Okay I have always preferred hand building clay , and never gained proficiency with
the wheel. My contribution to the production work involved sculpted fish,
sculptural handles for mugs and jar lids, and occasionally slip trailing pieces.
It was in 1991 when we formed the partnership of Rockhard Stoneware that I
became a full time decorator for our own version of a production pottery. This was
great for me because I was raising a daughter ,Lily, and a huge garden,and a host
of pets. Also practicing my violin, playing in bands and just jamming with friends. In
1999 I began my job as a substitute teacher.
When Rockhard dissolved in 2003 , we had a vision of a slower pace of production,
and a more home based marketing plan.
I have always maintained my own voice in clay . No matter how involved I was with
the rest of my life, I have been steadily working on sculptures. But if I keep
blabbing there won't be room for pictures!!
detail of work in progress,
life size hen hand-built,
coil method,carved,
incised,applied stains,
earthenware.
life size hen hand-built,
coil method,carved,
incised,applied stains,
earthenware.
Six inch "rockhard" style slip
trailed horse. Salt glazed
stoneware fired to cone 10- 11
trailed horse. Salt glazed
stoneware fired to cone 10- 11
8" rabbit sculpture, 2002-2003
hand built with coil and pinch
methods carved , incised, applied
slip, fired in salt kiln to cone 10-11
hand built with coil and pinch
methods carved , incised, applied
slip, fired in salt kiln to cone 10-11
| Right now I am focusing on earthenware . Lower firing temperatures not only will save us gas but will give me more control over the colors used . |
Copyright 2005 2006 Morris Pottery
DSMorris
DSMorris
| Denise's Page |
| Okay, someone wrote and said I'm talking all about Paul here , and not about myself! I will share here , a little history, and some of my working methods. And if I can come up with an artist statement...... |
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