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S.C. Rolf, large open bowl, wheel thrown, slip decoration, high fire reduction

Hierarchy of Information

S. C. Rolf

There are pots that have an extra something that makes them so exciting. Pots are interesting in that there is tension between the inside and outside. Sometimes, we can sense parts of the pot before picking them up, and other times, we are surprised by what is revealed upon closer examination. Sometimes, pots “let it all out” or most of it, and at other times, they hold on to their secrets and reveal them slowly over time. I love making pots partially because they have a way of making me. Our interactions are dramatically shaped by form, which we, as potters, strive to orchestrate. The struggle to organize endless variables into a coherent experience reminds me that I am human. This seems appropriate given the connection of the word “human” to “earth.”

As potters, we have a history of talking about pots in relation to the human body. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel through a number of airports in the United States, which afforded me a great opportunity to watch people. I was reminded of the diversity of the human body. Here are some of the things I observed: Heads alone displayed numerous shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. I saw big upper bodies, small upper bodies, narrow shoulders, thick legs, long legs, skinny waists, wide feet, soft-looking bodies, and hard-looking bodies. Okay, I tried not to stare, but to me, this was a cornucopia for the eye of an artist laden with ideas. Then there was color, so many different tones in skin and hair, and the hair alone had so many colors and textures; it was long and short, and one style even made up to look like a hat – magnificent designs!

Putting outfits together is not my sport, but I love it when other people do so and do it well. Some people can take any human body and orchestrate embellishments that emphasize their best features and create a beautiful flow of shape and texture. This practice of adorning the human body relates to the making and philosophy of clay pots. 

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Author Bio

S. C. Rolf

S. C. Rolf lives and works as a studio potter in River Falls, Wisconsin, creating one-of-a-kind functional pots. His work reflects an ongoing search to unite his ideas with the generosity and the intimacy that the functional pot offers. S. C. Rolf holds an MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute, and a BS in Broad Area Arts from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. He apprenticed under Wang Hui Ming, a master painter and wood engraver.

S. C. Rolf exhibits his work nationally and internationally and has received a number of national and international awards. He also lectures and teaches workshops throughout the United States and has been included in multiple magazine articles and books. He has work in the permanent collections of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, American Museum of Ceramic Art, Ulsan City Museum, International Museum of Dinnerware Design, Minnesota History Center, and other noted public and private collections.
 

artist website

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