Wagner, Connie

Artist Statement
All of my pottery is made with either stoneware or porcelain and I make both functional and decorative pieces. I developed a special interest in making ceramic kimonos when a friend began a vintage kimono business and imported these incredible garments from Japan. I became fascinated with this garment, how it is worn, and how it is used in interior decor. The fabrics and their textures provide an endless source of inspiration which I use in designing my Japanese clay kimono sculptures. Traditional Japanese glazes and the magic of the kiln produce unique and stunning pieces of artwork.

All of the materials I use are non-toxic and my pottery is therefore safe for food, microwave and dishwasher.

About Artist Connie Wagner
My name is Connie Wagner, and I am a potter. My introduction to clay came years ago while living in a small community in the northeastern corner of California, and working with local potters developing basic skills. Over the years I dabbled at making gifts for friends and functional pieces for my family. A few years ago my dream came true when a friend helped me build a tiny studio in my backyard. I now have my own wheel, a slab roller, and a small bisque kiln. Like a personal zendo I use this space to find my center and explore the creative energy within me. The young potters that taught me years ago are still friends today. We come together on a regular basis to fire our work in wood, gas, or raku kilns at the Canyon Creek Pottery in Alturas, California. We use several great shino glaze recipes along with other more common glazes, some with local materials. My application techniques vary and the unpredictability of the firing condition produces dramatic
and distinctive works of art. We fire to cone 10 (2300 degrees fahrenheit) in a reduction environment. A new burry box kiln was built this year and the results from the first firing were extraordinary. Occasionally I participate in wood firings which include the introduction of soda and produces unbelievably lovely pieces. Wood and gas firings occur at least 3 times a year, and once a year in late August we do a raku firing.

Artist Code: CCW

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