William Baker
William Baker is studio potter working way up in the mountains of Western North Carolina. His wood fired pottery is created one piece at a time on the wheel. He continues to be enthralled by dynamic interaction between the malleable, versatile clay and the steady motion of the wheel. It is this interaction that inspires the forms he creates and which influences the movements of his hands as they meet the clay. Each piece is a record of the union of these forces. His current work reflects my continuing attempt to find a balance between the requirements of function, and the subtle details which give a form the strength to stand alone and still remain receptive to the marks of the fire.
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William Baker at MudFire
Gallery group show Mug*Shots, August 2009
Gallery group show Asheville In Atlanta, October 2007
Gallery group show Put A Lid On It, May 2007
About William Baker
As a ceramic artist I explore the potter's wheel and the use of atmospheric firing methods as my primary tools. The dynamic interaction between the malleable, versatile clay and the steady motion of the wheel first enthralled me, and continues to challenge and humble me everyday. It is this interaction that inspires the forms I create, and which influences the movements of my hands as they meet the clay. Each piece is a record of the union of these forces. My current work reflects my continuing attempt to refine the subtle details which give a form the strength to stand alone and still remain receptive to the marks of the fire.
I use both stoneware and porcelain clays to create my functional and decorative pottery. Most of my work has no glaze on the exterior surface. While still unfired clay, I dip the pieces in one of several different slips which provide a thin skin on the surface of the piece that is receptive to the subtle changes in atmosphere taking place within the kiln. Vapors from the salt or soda introduced into the kiln travel past the pottery and mix with the ash and flame of the wood kiln resulting in the variation on the surface of the pottery. My work is intended for daily use and is glazed with food safe glazes.
