Artist Statement

A beautiful dish can bring more than just nourishment to a person’s body. It can awaken the senses and nourish the soul. Much like the philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a beautiful pot encourages a person to slow down and notice the subtleties of the experience; the way the dish feels in the hand or against the mouth, the way it sounds against the spoon, and the way it offers you its contents or pours into your cup. In this way a daily meal can become a ritual for the senses.

When I make pottery I try to instill this philosophy into the work. I strive to create graceful, well balanced forms that function with perfection and are comfortable to handle. I’m attracted to radiant symmetry— as a mandala, as well as natural asymmetry, as both have the ability to imbibe a meditative quality to the work. I work with glazes ranging in color from natural to vibrant, but with care not to overshadow the natural colors of food. I’m interested in the way the glaze flows in the kiln, and I am constantly exploring the use of slips, carving techniques, and glaze application to control and interact with that process. I am thoughtful with my decorative elements, accentuating the forms without distracting from them.

This balance of aesthetics and function can enhance the presentation of a meal and elevate it to a greater sensual experience. In today’s world more than ever, we need to slow down and take time to appreciate the quiet subtleties that life has to offer.

~ Karissa Masse