Laurie Shaman: Drawn to Clay

Natural Images on Porcelain

April 4 - May 12

Join us for a special gallery show featuring Laurie Shaman's expressive ceramic works. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Laurie and watch her demonstrate her porcelain painting technique.

Demonstration Schedule:
Friday, April 4th | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 5th | 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, April 6th | 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Artistic Style and Inspiration

Laurie Shaman creates expressive, hand-built porcelain tabletop and wall pieces that blend abstract forms with traditional decorative arts. Her work harmonizes classical and contemporary sensibilities, resulting in timeless treasures that are captivating focal points for any space.
Her pieces act as canvases for animated images of the natural world, often combined with real or imaginary townscapes and villages inspired by her travels. 

Techniques and Process

Shaman employs a variety of drawing techniques, including:
•    Slip-trailing
•    Brushed underglazes
•    Sponging
•    Sgraffito

A hallmark of her work is the layering process known as pentimento, in which drawings and underpainting are repeatedly reworked. This technique creates a sense of depth, memory, and mystery within her imagery. Once complete, her pieces are sealed with a clear glaze and fired to cone 6 in an electric kiln.

Education and Professional Experience

Laurie Shaman earned a BA in Ceramics from Webster University in St. Louis, graduating magna cum laude. She later completed the Basic Program of Liberal Education at the University of Chicago.
As a former director of Lill Street Gallery & Classrooms, she curated over 45 ceramic exhibitions. In addition to exhibiting her work nationally, she has taught extensively.

Studio and Current Work

Shaman currently works out of her studio in Chicago’s Ravenswood Arts Corridor, which she shares with her artist husband.