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Kimbrell Frazier ~ Ceramics
From the first time I felt clay moving on the wheel, molded by the pressure of my hands, it took on nearly magical qualities for me. Â It can be formed and shaped while wet, then fired in a kiln, forever changing it into something that will stand the test of time. Â Again and again I am drawn back to the wheel to improve and refine my work.Â
Working with clay, I am able to satisfy my creative instinct, coaxing it into pottery with classic, simple lines that reflect my worldview. Â With so much mass production in our lives today, there is special joy for me in creating handmade functional art; each item designed to co-ordinate with the others, yet each one unique, showing the human touch.Â
I have had a life-long interest in art and was taught from an early age by my mother, a gifted artist. Â At age 9, I was invited to exhibit my watercolor paintings with the regional Artists Guild, in my hometown of Salisbury, NC. Â
My friends and family were surprised when I choose to pursue a career in business, rather than art; but after 20 years in the textile and apparel industry I left my position to recreate my life. Â In May 1997 I took my first lesson in wheel-thrown pottery and nothing has been the same since. Â I spent many hours each day developing my craft. Â In January 2001, I ventured into business as a full time potter. Â Since then, I have sold my work to more than 70 galleries and shops in 25 states.
I work with a light brown stoneware clay body. Â All pieces are wheel thrown or made from altered extrusions. Â Every piece is individually handmade using no forms or molds.
After the pieces dry to a completely bone-dry stage, they are bisque fired at 1800F for a total of around 10 hours. Â The work is then cleaned and glazed using a combination of dipping, spraying, brushing and trailing. Â The final firing is made in an oxidation environment in electric kilns at cone 4, approximately 2140F.
Pumpkin Center
North Carolina
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