Norma Williams
PLEASANT NEST POTTERY
MANGUM OKLAHOMA- pottery
My fascination with clay began over twenty years ago. After taking all the ceramics and art courses that a local SW Oklahoma college had to offer, I was thrilled to relocate in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, home of Warren McKenzie, possibly the most famous and influential of U.S. potters. His influence and presence in the Minnesota and Wisconsin region has created a Mecca for professional potters, many of them McKenzie’s former students or protégées.
The exclusive Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis provided an opportunity to continue my training and to work in a studio environment. I then studied under Richard Abnett, a well-established production potter. Later we moved to Wisconsin, and I attended classes at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls taught by the renowned Randy Johnston.
Clay always provided for me a fascinating creative exploration of form, texture and color. After becoming experienced with high-fired stoneware that was functional art and meant to be used and experienced, I entered the ceramics realm of Raku – art for art’s sake. I was smitten by the spontaneity and the dance of fire involved in the Raku process. At this point I formed a partnership with fellow Raku artist Mark Lusardi and attended and sold through juried art shows for several years.
My recent retirement to Mangum seems to have brought me full circle. It is here, in the quietness of this small town, that my work continues to evolve, expressing and sharing my contentment in each piece that passes my hands.
MANGUM OKLAHOMA- pottery
My fascination with clay began over twenty years ago. After taking all the ceramics and art courses that a local SW Oklahoma college had to offer, I was thrilled to relocate in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, home of Warren McKenzie, possibly the most famous and influential of U.S. potters. His influence and presence in the Minnesota and Wisconsin region has created a Mecca for professional potters, many of them McKenzie’s former students or protégées.
The exclusive Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis provided an opportunity to continue my training and to work in a studio environment. I then studied under Richard Abnett, a well-established production potter. Later we moved to Wisconsin, and I attended classes at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls taught by the renowned Randy Johnston.
Clay always provided for me a fascinating creative exploration of form, texture and color. After becoming experienced with high-fired stoneware that was functional art and meant to be used and experienced, I entered the ceramics realm of Raku – art for art’s sake. I was smitten by the spontaneity and the dance of fire involved in the Raku process. At this point I formed a partnership with fellow Raku artist Mark Lusardi and attended and sold through juried art shows for several years.
My recent retirement to Mangum seems to have brought me full circle. It is here, in the quietness of this small town, that my work continues to evolve, expressing and sharing my contentment in each piece that passes my hands.