Delanie Wise
Massachusetts

Stoneware thrown, altered, and fired to Cone 10 in a soda reduction kiln.
Functional
7.5"w x 6"l x 4.25"h

About the Teapot
This teapot is inspired by 17th-century irons.

Artist Statement
I fell in love with clay forty years ago. Initially, the work consisted of functional pieces like plates, bowls, and jars. Several of the designs became production pieces. Due to the repetition, I became bored. I took courses in other mediums and stopped doing production work and started applying what I learned to clay. It was then that clay became fun again. Besides making thrown and altered pieces, I make slab constructions, using textures and pinched additions. The work is done slowly and thoughtfully. Each decision is savored. There is freedom to change my original concept, to start over, to change the spout, the handle, the foot until I can feel myself smile.
My goal is to make my pieces animated. Clay lends itself to animation because each touch is recorded; every addition affects the piece in unexpected ways. In the middle of working on a piece, I discover that the piece is based on my favorite aunt, sea creatures, or a fairy tale. Sometimes it’s my subconscious working, and my friends point out that the basket I’m making is really a bassinet. Yes, I have fallen in love with clay again! 

*Teapots that are purchased will remain on display in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition, through September 14, 2026. 
After the show closes, teapots will be carefully packed and shipped by September 28, or they may be picked up at the gallery.