Kristen Swanson WLAST artist

Kristen Swanson Ceramics
White House Ceramics
16 E. Pennsylvania Ave
Lovettsville, VA 20180
STOP # 5

Website: http://www.kristenkswanson.etsy.com

About the Artist... I discovered clay as a sophomore in college fifteen years ago. It captured my heart, my intellect and my creative expression in a powerful way. I knew immediately that my life would revolve around this beautiful material. I finished my degree in elementary education, all the while sneaking into the ceramic studio on campus during the wee hours of the night, spending every available moment developing my skill. I taught elementary school for two years and proceeded to Virginia Commonwealth University to study Ceramics. I have devoted my life first to my family and second to my own expression through clay. Each one-of-a-kind piece is wheel thrown on the potter's wheel or hand constructed out of clay slabs. I paint my designs with black underglaze on the unfired clay body. I then use a technique called sgraffito to scratch into the surface to achieve greater detail. The work is bisque fired, clear glazed, and fired a second time to 2300 degrees. Asian art has long been an influence in my work - my childhood home was filled with Asian furniture, tapestries, scroll paintings, and sculpture. I am further influenced by both traditional and contemporary textile patterns as well as traditional botanical motifs. I choose to limit my surface work to black and white with occasional splashes of color as I enjoy the graphic and stimulating effect. The use of a clear glaze highlights the subtle texture of the porcelain body. My experience as an educator has served me tremendously well as I now teach handbuilding and wheel throwing to adults and children in the community out of my home studio. I find the process of interacting with students - encouraging their growth, creativity, and perceptiveness - has improved my own work and enriched my life as an artist.

Offering on tour: White House Ceramic Studios is an artist studio and ceramic classroom for adults and children in the community. Enjoy touring a fully operative clay studio. Artist, Kristen Swanson, offers her porcelain art for purchase: functional pieces include cups, bowls, platters, trays, and vases ranging in price from $15 - $350. A variety of student work will be displayed, demonstrating the amazing diversity and talent of White House Ceramic Studio students ranging in age from 5 years to 70 years. Children are welcome in the studio. Light refreshments will be provided.

You can shop-online at my Etsy store!

Click to view interactive on-line map with Kristen Swanson's location

Directions:

From Route 287 North (Berlin Pike) and Route 672 (Broad Way) in Lovettsville: From 287 North in Lovettsville: turn onto East Broad Way at the stop sign at the 7-11, immediately turn right onto Church Street, then immediately left onto Pennsylvania to the 5th house on the right, 16 Pennsylvania.

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