Anne Shelton
I
work in clay because it is so malleable and interactive. I can
push it and pull it, and it takes a new form. I love watching something
emerge and develop its own character. I love that I start with an
idea, even a drawing, and as I work on the piece in clay, it evolves,
and before I know it, I have made something much more substantial
and engaging than I had pictured.
I love to make portraits, although most of them are idealized and while based on real people, are not expected to be exact copies, like photographs. If I have captured an essence of my subject, I am happy. Much of my current work is influenced by the many years I worked as a women’s physician. Most of my sculptures exude femininity, although not usually of the frilly variety.
I use multiple methods to create a piece; some are wheel thrown, and then altered. Some are slab or coil built and modeled. I love to use underglazes, oxide stains, and scrafitto to create depth and texture on the surface. I find my hand reaching out of its own accord, to touch the finished piece, because the surface calls to it. When all the parts of a piece-- the shape, size, texture and color-- merge to create an emotional tone, I believe I have done a good job. I hope to spark emotion in my viewer... I look for a smile or introspective face when someone views my work.
