David Beaulieu, began throwing pottery in his Uncle Dorian’s basement in the fall of 2009. At first the only reason he wanted to do pottery was to make plates and bowls for the apartment he would be moving into a few months later. Then once he discovered how enjoyable it was and the ability he had to manipulate dirt into many things, he never stopped. The innovative process and constant learning and development one goes through intrigued David and he is constantly looking for the next challenge. David started taking classes at Lake Superior College in the Spring of 2010 and has continued to learn in and out of the classroom. He presented pieces in three exhibits in 2010 and continues to exhibit and sell his work.
Contact info for David:
4630 Woodland Ave
Duluth, MN 55803
218-260-5051
david@artofthepotter.com
Artist Statement:
I find peace and silence of all disturbances when working with clay. Every step from start to finish involves coordinated action and movement. Making clay, looking through idea starters, throwing the vessel, trimming, bisqueing, glazing and final firing all require the diligent kind of creative work I love. I find it satisfying to make things with my hands and then to see the excited look on the faces of those who appreciate the end result. My goal is to fully express my artistic creativity with the community of artists involving best technique, unique design, innovative style and cultural relevance.
Stoneware clay is my preferred medium because it is down to earth and resilient. Many times I will leave selected surfaces unglazed to show the true quality of the clay and the result of the firing process on the clay body. Often I pick a colorful glaze that contrasts with the bare clay like the shiny blue sky and the desert sand or a beautiful red rose and the fertile dirt of Spring. To bring about this beauty I like to wood-fire. The wood-fire process amazes me, the expressions shown on the pots, and the richness that the extreme temperatures draw from the glazes is absolutely splendid and varied.
