Andy Blanchard

Artist Statement

My goal is to create the highest quality pottery possible with unique glaze effects that can be used on a daily basis. A nice piece should look beautiful but also reflect good elements of craftsmanship.

My work is made from porcelain and stoneware clay and is fired to 2200 defrees F in an electric kiln. I make custom tools out of hacksaw blades to create unique chattermark designs when the clay that is halfway dry. Every chattermark design is unique and can never be duplicated, which emphasizes the one of a kind nature of each piece. I finish my work by spraying on my custom glazes, which allows me to get more unique effects by blending different glazes. I also like to play around with different firing schedules such as slow cooling to create crystal growth in certain glazes.

I believe that useful art objects can replace the dull, mass produced objects and enrich our daily lives. There is nothing like the joy of drinking from a handmade cup or serving your favorite meal in a unique serving bowl. The items that you use everyday define your daily experience so you should surround yourself with objects that bring you joy.