Teri Carson

Teri Carson is a “2008 Art in the Round Contest” participant.

High-fire stoneware vessels by Teri Carson (copyright Teri Carson)

Artist’s Statement: Balance.  It is a struggle that finds its way into every one of my pots.  I love form to represent the beauty of the world and yet touch on the truth of its difficulties as well.  In this, the romantic viewpoint battles with the realistic.  I love, also, the balance in usage, shown in the simplicity of the cup used everyday and the exaggeration of one of its elements making the piece more about its aesthetic than its usefulness.

Most of my pottery is wheel-thrown functional high-fire stoneware.   But I am pulled toward the non-functional as well by the allure of discovering a new way to find balance.  My pottery is mostly form driven, influenced by the romantic forms of the Greek vessels.  The influence is seen in the bulbous body of the pot, the extravagance of a handle, or just its attempt at grandeur even in the simplest pieces.  The overall form leans toward the romantic.  Realism inserts itself through the alteration of that form while it is still wet and susceptible to manipulation. 

Forces from the outside work on the clay for its enhancement and its distortion.  What is considered enhancement?  What is considered distortion?  These ideas are important to me and my attempt at balance of the two show in my work.

Another key theme found in my pottery is a reflection of nature.  The natural world around me is an inspiration deeply moving to me.  The influence of nature is evident - some in form and more in surface patterning.  Though I stive to equal the beauty, for example, of just one flower petal, I can only reflect a hint at its tremendous accomplishment.

The ceramic process will forever intrigue me.  You start with a piece of the earth, crush it, mix it, mold it, coat it, fire it, and enjoy it.  From start to finish the many steps and stresses a pot goes through in its creation embodies our struggles in life and final glorious outcome.  This is a process that began long ago.  There is a freedom afforded in this process of creation, and a privilege of being a part of such a full history of creating ceramic vessels.

Ceramic process and product, for me, is all about beauty, variety, whimsy, solidity, and balance; reflections of the admirable aspects of our world and its creator, and our struggles within that world.

Artistic Resume: Workshops:  “Color and Line”, & “Making Ceramic Decals”, both by Rimis VisGirda.  Attended multiple national, state, and area ceramic conventions and festivals where I learned much from nationally known potters and sculptors through their demonstrations and symposiums.

For contact information, email Art in the Round.

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