Ruth Hesse Ceramics



Ruth Hesse Ceramics

About The Artist

Ruth Hesse • Broken Arrow, OK
Ceramics

I am a ceramic artist. My canvases are simple forms, which I embellish using surface design techniques informed by my many years of experience monotype printmaking. I recently moved from Lynden, Washington and am now working out of the Red Heat ceramic studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am excited to become part of a new clay community!



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

I make simple ceramic forms on the wheel or by hand, and embellish them with complicated surface design techniques inspired by my many years of printmaking. I incorporate Mishima, sgraffito, wax resist, hand painting and commercial underglaze transfers into my designs. All of my surface designs are freehand and spontaneous. I spend the vast majority of my time working on greenware, but I also like experimenting with different glazing techniques.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

I love the feel of the rasp pulling through leather hard clay. I like sanding back my underglaze, anticipating the moment it looks just right. I love how color magically pools into the carved lines of a waxed surface. I love mixing and matching processes to make them my own. I love being able to reprocess my clay if I'm not happy with my greenware. I love my clay community most of all.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

The addition of Mishima details to an already elaborate surface design adds interest to my work. Also, my surface designs are very organic in nature and cover most or all of the pot without repeating. Each piece builds on the one that preceded it. My work is constantly evolving.