Lori Roderick

I have been making hand built sculptural vessels since 1983 when I found the coolest place to hang out on my college campus – the pottery studio. After a couple of classes I realized the coil, slab and pinch methods suited my approach to form (organic with a bit of whimsy and only the slimmest of plans). I have been letting clay tell me what it wants to be ever since. During my hand building process, I carve, paddle, assess and manipulate on the fly until I’m satisfied with the final shape and surface. Some of the pieces share similar patterns or abstract designs, most are low fire earthenware with layers of glazes, and all are fired two or more times in an electric kiln. The natural world inspires me and I often find ideas for forms, textures, shapes and the general attitude of pieces while tromping through wild places near and far. My current series speaks (visually) of woods and mountains, two environments that bring me equal measures of peace and wonder.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in English and art from Augustana College and a Masters of Fine Arts in ceramics and sculpture from the University of Iowa.