Artist's Statement

After nearly twenty years in education, I’ve found my way back to clay. It feels like sliding on a favorite pair of jeans. I love the rhythm of throwing on the wheel and the slower, more mindful pace of handbuilding because both offer different ways to connect with the material. 

I work mostly with stoneware and am drawn to bright glazes that flow together naturally, creating visual contrasts and unexpected beauty. 

My background in 3-Dimensional Design shapes how I think about form and function, but I try not to rush the process. I take my time, paying attention to the small decisions that make each piece feel right. My hope is that the same calm and joy I feel while making carries through to whoever uses the work. 

~Michelle Shepardson