Brad Schwieger

Twenty-Two Ways of Clay
A National Ceramics Invitational
Curated by Gary C. Hatcher
October 26th, 2001-January 8th, 2002
The Meadows Gallery
Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center
The University of Texas at Tyler
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Brad Schwieger - Artist Statement

My passion has always been making pottery. I've pursued this interest for nearly twenty years. During this time I have done extensive research on historical pots, more specifically the folk pottery from the U.S. and Japan.

My ideas often explore various facets of utility; however, I feel my work can also function as a decorative object. Form is the most essential element in my work. My secondary focus is to develop different types of surfaces that will enhance and support the form. I have explored surface by continuous testing of ceramic materials, kiln design, kiln construction and firing.

The work is wheel thrown and then altered. The altering process consists of faceting, stretching and cutting up sections of the form and reassembling them. These techniques temper the symmetry of the wheel throwing process.

I am often concerned with the formal issues of design. How do the parts relate to the whole? How can the whole transcend the parts? How can each piece become an individual interpretation of a traditional form?

I have been influenced by many people, place and pots in my life. My intention is to keep my work evolving and changing, responding to my experiences.