This content was published: April 1, 2003. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Donna and Jeff Tousley – Ceramics
Rock Creek Helzer Gallery
April 2003
Artist statement – Donna Tousley
“My work is of a highly decorated quality. It is made of stoneware clay fired to cone 10 (2300 degrees F.) in a reduction atmosphere. The patterned surface is achieved through slip trailing on greenware with no preliminary sketching, but develops as the design is applied. The forms are created as a 3-dimensional “canvas”. I am continually seeking new forms and variations to decorate and strive to create a successful, unified piece consisting of form, decoration, and glazed surface”.
Artist statement – Jeff Tousley
Having a very strong “functional pottery” background, my work relies heavily on wheel thrown forms and techniques. I like to alter the forms slightly by pushing, pulling, and cutting the fresh, plastic clay, yet retaining a certain amount of “functionality” to the piece, i.e. covered jars, plates, etc. The forms need to be strong, yet clean and direct. Decoration is achieved through subtle scratching, and the layering of different glazes. I’ve used the “x” symbol for quite a few years because of it’s historic symbolism as a figure of strength and mysticism. All work at this time is fired to C/10 (2300 degrees F.) in a reducing atmosphere.
