As you know, we don't do boring at EcoPDX--that's what the big box stores are for. We took our time to find a ceramic artist worthy of our gallery and your home. It is our great pleasure to introduce to you ceramics by Ha Austin.
Ha Austin's journey with ceramics began while she was teaching at a community college; she happened to wander into a ceramics classroom on campus. Austin's expertise was more in science and healthcare, but when she embraced ceramics, she opened up a whole new side of herself.
"I was immediately overtaken by the endless possibilities and freedom to explore and express my artistic half,"
recalls Austin.
This search for her artistic nature led Ha to read books, seek out classrooms and artists--anything she could do to better herself as an artist. Time well spent. Austin uses two kinds of fire kilns, an electric for crystalline glazes, and a gas kiln for clay carvings and Sgraffito style decorations.
"The intricate and meticulous nature that is involved in measuring and mixing my crystalline glazes as well as the mystery surrounding the determination of the appropriate firing schedule, appeals to my science-based education. Sometimes I feel like I am a mad scientist toiling in my lab, mixing up various chemicals to form the ultimate glaze and then 'throwing the switch' to see what 'life form' (crystals) will emerge from my kiln. Crystalline glazes can be a time consuming endeavor but the rareness and beauty of each ceramic creation makes my journey worthwhile." Ha Austin
Ha Austin's journey with ceramics began while she was teaching at a community college; she happened to wander into a ceramics classroom on campus. Austin's expertise was more in science and healthcare, but when she embraced ceramics, she opened up a whole new side of herself.
"I was immediately overtaken by the endless possibilities and freedom to explore and express my artistic half,"
recalls Austin.
This search for her artistic nature led Ha to read books, seek out classrooms and artists--anything she could do to better herself as an artist. Time well spent. Austin uses two kinds of fire kilns, an electric for crystalline glazes, and a gas kiln for clay carvings and Sgraffito style decorations.
"The intricate and meticulous nature that is involved in measuring and mixing my crystalline glazes as well as the mystery surrounding the determination of the appropriate firing schedule, appeals to my science-based education. Sometimes I feel like I am a mad scientist toiling in my lab, mixing up various chemicals to form the ultimate glaze and then 'throwing the switch' to see what 'life form' (crystals) will emerge from my kiln. Crystalline glazes can be a time consuming endeavor but the rareness and beauty of each ceramic creation makes my journey worthwhile." Ha Austin