Joe Christenson

 

 

Biography

Pottery

My work is wheel-thrown and fired in a soda kiln. I use both porcelain and stoneware clay and fire the kiln to 2300 degrees. I formulate my own glazes and intentionally decorate my work while pursuing the unexpected results of a soda firing. Although I produce a variety of work, my passion and area of interest is in producing large-scale vases and jars, (3-5 feet in height). Large forms are spectacular canvases on which to show the organic beauty of soda-fired clay.

Paintings

My paintings have changed over time and I am currently working with both acrylic and watercolor canvases. The paintings contain abstract and representational elements. I start with a general idea of colors that I want to explore. Then, as the layers of color build, I am mindful of their interaction and add detail. I try to achieve a sense of beauty in my paintings, the source of which I hope remains a bit mysterious.