Deborah J. Bassett-Maxwell

Kimball, Michigan

Title: Mars Pit Fired Vase

Year of Creation: 2005

Glaze: None

Clay Body: White stoneware

Dimensions: Height 12 inches, Width 4 inches

Artist's Statement: At three years old, my mom gave me my first box 64-count crayons, the one with the sharpener on the back of the box. A logical progression of colored pencils, markers, paints, clay and art lessons came afterwords. These lessons left a deep impression of my childhood. My work is mainly about my memories. As my hands work the wet clay, it transforms into the conceived piece that was once my mental image. My current passions create a synergy that transforms my work and my my life. Even today, the crayon sharpener reminds me to develop analyze and implement purpose into the clay and to continue to sharpen my skills at many levels.