Randall E. Becker

Mazomanie, Wisconsin, USA

Title: Blue Wood Vase

Year of Creation: 2009

Glaze: Turquoise, bronze, Avery Slip and glaze

Clay Body: Paoli Stoneware

Dimensions: Height 23 inches, Width 22 inches

Artist's Statement: Who is God? Do I make my art or does my art make me? The best art comes from the mind and body, and the best of the best comes from the heart and soul. We don't have to invent new notes to make new music. Artist as symbol maker? God gave all people a cup of clay and from that they drink life. These are the thoughts that begin the formation of my art. My art reflects my life, my roots of growing up on the prairies of South Dakota, the influence of the Lakota Indian traditions and a German Lutheran heritage on my spirit and soul. Life has many stages of struggle and celebration. It is through my art that I discover not only what I am made of but also what I can myself into.

I have become very interested in pushing the idea of color in the wood fire process. The surfaces seduce me.