Merle Slyhoff

Artist Statement

I began my personal exploration in clay over 30 years ago and it has been a life of slamming the clay on the wheel and watching creation happen. There is an inherent joy and relaxation in taking a lump of clay, wedging it, throwing it on the wheel, sometimes hand-altering after the wheel, then waiting for the bisque piece to come out of the kiln. The last step, glazing, turns that initial lump of clay into a final piece of art.

I create wheel-thrown functional clay pieces in ^6 clay bodies. Whether it is a mug, a bowl, a platter or a garlic scraper I work the clay to maintain a simplicity of design while considering the ergonomics of use. I have always been fascinated with surface design and while my design aesthetic is minimalist I frequently use texture, carving, cutting or slip work to enhance the design and glaze. The texture or cutting on the surface allows the glazes to react differently, while smooth surfaces allow for the interaction of multiple glazes. Created in my Glenside, PA studio I strive to create work that brings joy to the user.

I am a member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen (PGC) and serve on the Board of Directors as Secretary. I am also a member of the PGC chapters Chester County Craft Guild and the Haverford Guild of Craftsmen. My work Trees won an award at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts Member Show. I have participated in the Stahl's Preservation Pottery Festivals, Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Crafts Shows, the Collingswood Craft and Fine Art Festival, the Chester County Art Association Arts in the Park, Brandywine Festival of the Arts shows and numerous other regional shows.

I use the sun as my potter's mark as it symbolizes a fresh start, a new beginning - each lump of clay that touches my hands is a fresh start to a new creation.