{"product_id":"small-vase-by-delores-fortuna","title":"Small Vase by Delores Fortuna","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeasures 4.75\" tall x 4\" diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandmade by Delores Fortuna in Chetek, Wisconsin. (Formerly of Galena, Illinois).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMy work uses basic wheel thrown shapes as starting points; the clay wall defines both the silhouette of the form and records the time-event process of throwing. The clay wall becomes a fabric, a diary rich with gestural marks and intent. As a seamstress would cut, fold, and dart cloth to make a garment, I use this clay fabric to shape utilitarian vessels. These vessels ask questions, explore solutions, and live in your home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly influences in my work were the simple yet intense forms of Hans Coper, Lucy Rie and Ruth Duckworth and the color theories of Josef Albers. I had the honor of studying with Ruth Duckworth at the University of Chicago for my undergraduate and graduate degrees and Richard Lafean was a pivotal in developing my wheel throwing touch. I have always responded to work which is form simple but structurally complex deriving much visual information from a diverse array of contemporary clay artists as well as historical ceramics. My current work is shaped as much by simple thoughts as by elaborate clay working ideas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2015, I retired after 16 years of teaching in the Ceramics Department of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I continue to share my experiences and knowledge at workshops and conferences.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe clay and glazes I use are often of my own formulation, fired to stoneware temperatures (2374° F) in a gas reducing fiber kiln vitrifying the porcelain clay and glazes; the glazes are food safe, microwave and dishwasher stable. I want my work to bridge an art aesthetic with the craft making of objects; a teapot which rests on a shelf as a visual object can serve a great pot of tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind more of Delores's work here. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Delores Fortuna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":71720506130685,"sku":"rtc1793121251542","price":47.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0821\/4577\/1773\/files\/FullSizeRender_6bee944a-d244-46b0-a9fd-e2f5c0a51199.png?v=1793121259","url":"https:\/\/lucyartdoll.shop\/products\/small-vase-by-delores-fortuna","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}