Walt Bensman

ceramics | salem, oregon

My work incorporates both stoneware and wood in functional and sculptural pieces. Because clay and wood are both raw products of our natural environment, I believe they share a unique relationship that can be expressed when they are used together.

My teapots and pitchers use steam-bent wood handles on wheel thrown or hand built slab vessels. The three-dimensional landscapes are built up using layers of glazed and unglazed textured clay tiles, with wood incorporated to form specific design elements.

In all cases, when the wood and clay are juxtaposed, opportunities are created to appreciate and contrast the texture, color, and form of each material.