Elisabeth Maurland Studio

About

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animals have always fascinated me. When I was young, I was frightened of them. Later, we acquired pets, I took horseback riding lessons, went bird watching and volunteered at a zoo.

In my work, the animals have become vessels for my expression.

PROCESS:

All my pots are wheel-thrown by me. I use white stoneware clay. After throwing 20-30 pieces including spouts and lids, I allow them to dry to the leather hard stage, at which point I can attach spouts and handles. I then let the pieces dry completely (bone dry), so that I can start painting them with slips (liquid clay) with added ceramic stains for color. I also often use wax resist and needle tools in the process.
This is a time-consuming stage, but when they are done, they go into the kiln for a first firing (bisque), which prepares them for glaze application. This firing takes about 7 hours and goes up to about 1800°F. It takes at least that long to cool the kiln enough to take the pieces out for glazing.
After brushing, wiping, and waxing the bottoms on every piece, I apply the clear glaze by dipping or pouring.
The glaze fire takes about 14 hours and goes up to 2200°F.

BACKGROUND:

Born and raised just outside Oslo, Norway, I spent much of my time outdoors, fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. Nature was a part of life, and I continue to look for it wherever I am.

I came to the United States as a college student in Iowa, and remained here afterwards. I achieved my Masters of Art at Illinois State University, worked as an apprentice for Genszler Stoneware Designs in Wisconsin for five years, before I moved back to my college town, Decorah, Iowa, 17 years ago.

I live and work here with my husband, Gunnar Schwarz, and our daughter.