Grady Stem

I began working with clay in 2002 after a lengthy career as a landscape architect. I have always been very interested in all areas of the visual arts, and am grateful at this point in my life to be able to devote my time and energy to developing my creativity. My work is influenced by observing nature, and by following the intrinsic nature of the clay itself as it takes on a texture, bends, leans, curves away from or into itself. I am very drawn to the work of Andy Goldsworthy and his use of nature, and also enjoy the Japanese potters shown in “Touching Stone Gallery” in Santa Fe. I enjoy the simplicity and graceful lines of the Japanese potters, as well as their strong abstract forms. While I create both nonfunctional and functional ceramic pieces, my main area of interest is in larger, abstract forms that are more sculptural in focus. In about 2006 I began experimenting with commercially available fiber clays. I began reading about paper clay, and experimenting with various formulations, firing methods, glazing, and other surface treatments. Since then I have been making my own paper clay and use it exclusively at this time. I like the textures that I am able to use as well as its strength and the ability to modify a form until its final firing. I am working with medium fire stoneware using both commercially available glazes as well as my own glaze formulations.