Heather Hansen
What initially captured your imagination about the medium you use? It started back in high school when took ceramics and was taught to throw on the potters wheel. It was challenging but the possibilities were endless.
What types of things inspire you to create art? I am inspired by the natural world around us. Mostly, leaves and flowers are my main inspiration, but I also like to experiment texture using shells.
What life experiences have helped to shape you as an artist? People telling me no. It was my motivation to prove to myself and others that I can do this.
Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion. It starts with an idea and usually a sketch in my sketchbook. Once I am certain I want to move forward, it is formed in clay either by wheel throwing or hand rolling a slab. After all the details are added, it sits under plastic for a slow drying process and fired in a kiln when bone dry. I then apply stains, underglazes and glaze to finish the piece. It is fired one more time to vitrify the clay and any rough edges are sanded smooth.
What plans do you have for the future direction of your art? I plan to explore as many different techniques as possible. I love learning something new and clay has no end in the learning process.