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I make my work from the local clays, rocks, and woods that I have found, gathered, and processed myself.  This approach to making pottery has proven to be extremely challenging and rewarding on many levels.  Not only do I act as a designer, craftsman, and artist as I make my work in my studio, I also engage my immediate surroundings as an explorer, geologist, miner, truck driver, lumberjack, and even dumpster diver.  This complexity of engagement has offered me a much more profound connection to place and allowed me a deeper appreciation for the community in which I live.  Such an approach has also brought me to a greater understanding of historical ceramics, myself and my relationship to my work.


Taking responsibility for every step of the process, from the earth to the dinner table or mantel, has taught me to approach clay with respect and open sensitivity.  I spend a lot of time listening to the  clay as it stretches and tears, and as it slides through my fingers I ask, “What does this material want to do, and what can I make it do?”  Often a particular material’s weakness becomes its strength as I let go of my limited perception of what is ‘defect” and what is ‘effect’ and I allow the spirit of these constant discoveries to inform my intentions.

David Peters

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