CAP Artist Registry

Harper, Ann: Hand in Nature Pottery

607-279-1847

I am a versatile clay artist. My work ranges from functional, wheel-thrown pieces glazed in a way that emphasizes the essence of the piece to textured or altered pieces and more whimsical items incorporating frogs, owls, cats, and other creatures.

All ceramic materials are closely tied to nature and the forces of nature-from the slow formation of clay deposits in the earth to the centrifugal force of the pottery wheel and the power of my hands as I mold and shape the clay. As I work I feel very connected to the earth and these forces and this is reflected in my work.

In recent years I have focused more on the concept of preserving nature in clay. By rolling real leaves into clay slabs I use the special quality of clay as a fossilizing medium to make a permanent record of ephemeral designs from nature. Each different kind of leaf inspires a different hand-built form. As I press the slabs into bowl-shaped molds I let the edges undulate to reflect the contours of the leaves. These pieces are carefully glazed to emphasize the fossils embedded in them.

If fossils in stone last millions of years, impressions in clay can are destined to last almost as long. I am currently working on a series of clay paintings that will reflect this idea of preserving a record of plant life but will also make a statement about the human impact on the environment.

Printmaking