Kristina Schultz

Artist Statement

I create because I have always been a maker of things. My whole family sewed, crocheted, quilted, or worked with their hands while I was growing up. Often this was out of necessity, and other times the handmade items were gifts of affection. I cannot tell you how many potholders I wove as a child for Christmas gifts! These shared family experiences shaped my need to create. Now, after years of exploring different media, I prefer to work in clay to form functional and decorative ceramics; so other people can enjoy handcrafted, unique art in their everyday lives.
Many ceramic artists utilize the potter’s wheel to create functional work, but I am a hand builder because I enjoy the directness of rolling out a flat slab of clay with a rolling pin, fashioning an even clay coil and pinching the lump of clay just right. These methods allow me to incorporate my grandmother’s doilies, stamps, rolling pins, or other textural finds to create an interesting and varied surface. Recently, I have been combining different underglaze transfers and textures to create harmonious designs. I finish my work with brush on glazes and underglazes, often three or more layers to create depth and additional interest on the surface.

Biography:
I was raised in rural Michigan on a small farm with forests, streams, and land to explore. Valuing nature and my surroundings was encouraged, so I have a deep appreciation for the natural world. In 1992, I received my Bachelor of Fine Art in Studio Art from Alma College in Alma, Michigan. My emphasis was in printmaking and handmade paper/books, but I have always loved ceramics. I exhibited in Michigan and Ohio prior to moving to Florida. As my children grew up, I found myself drawn to working with clay again. For the last nine years, I have sold my pottery at local art shows and galleries. Currently, my work is available at the Artistic Hand Gallery and the Morean Gallery Store in Florida and the Shemer Art Center in Arizona. In 2021, I relocated to Arizona and set up a home studio in Gilbert.

You can follow me on Instagram @kristinaschultzceramics or contact me via email at [email protected]