Crimson Laurel Gallery

As a ceramic artist I explore the potter's wheel and the use of atmospheric firing methods as my primary tools. The dynamic interaction between the malleable, versatile clay and the steady motion of the wheel first enthralled me, and continues to challenge, reward and humble me. It is this interaction which inspires the forms I create, and which influences the movements of my hands as they meet the clay. I strive for each piece to reflect the union of these forces.

While I intend for my forms to stand alone on their own strength, the life of each piece is intimately intertwined with the firing process I use. In both functional and sculptural work, I fluctuate between precision and gesture knowing that each piece will interact with the fire in it's own way. while some of my intentional gestures will be honored by the flame, others will be ignored as the fire enhances and transforms the clay surface. Every piece I create, from a large sculptural vessel to a small cup, ultimately serves as a canvas on which the marks of the fire are recorded.

My current work is focused mainly on functional pottery forms fired in a natural gas/soda kiln. I rarely use a glaze on the outside of my work as I prefer the more direct interaction between the raw clay or slipped surface and the vapors as they move through the kiln.

William lives in Bakersville, NC.