Decorah, IA ARTIST STATEMENTWithin the realm of handmade pottery, it becomes possible to speak of sacred things. The energy of process and shaping of clay into form can create a vessel full of spirit and metaphor. Spirit brings life and soul into the work. It is this quest to find deeper meaning that inspires me to spin the clay into useful shapes that can bring simple pleasure into the world. I practice over and over the dance with the clay becoming vessel. I enjoy the physical nature of wet clay and the transformation into a vitrified object. After 34 years as a potter, I am still excited about the potential in making the next piece and cannot resist peeking into a hot kiln load of fresh work.I work alone in my studio and produce all of the work myself. I want my work to be relevant, connect to the past but still current. I am inspired by ancient pottery styles and folk pottery traditions. I love to create shapes that are intended to be used and handled. I want the work to be inviting and tactile. I try to create glaze effects that have a wide variety of subtle variation and textures to create interest and detail. Handled forms and lidded forms encourage interaction. Pouring vessels suggest a gesture of giving and the action of serving. Lidded forms invite one to look inside. Bowls, cups and plates, enhance the meal which sustains life.The world needs art. I am happy to be a part of this wondrous activity as a potter. If I can add some pleasure to the world transmitted through my hands into a meaningful object then I have been successful. BIOGRAPHYGeorge Lowe earned a BA in art from Luther College before pursuing an MFA in ceramics at Wichita State University. His career has taken him across the country as an instructor and lecturer at various schools and workshops. In 1999, he established his ceramics studio in Decorah, IA, where he continues to create and teach. He shares his life with his wife, Martha Monson Lowe.