A R T I S T   S T A T E M E N T:
My Lidded Vessel Series embodies movement, balance and caricature. Feeling my way through the shapes I explore the exaggerated, circus-like nature of toys, odd characters, flora, fauna and anything that exudes both poise and precariousness. -Barbara Dunshee

B I O:
Barbara's art and design background (and her own playful persona) play a major role in her fascination with shape and color. Music, nature, drama and amazing physical acts that defy gravity are the kind of things that excite her and inspire her Lidded Vessels. Their animated forms evolve on the wheel as Barbara feels her way through the forms, searching for a visual and tactile life to emerge.

Barbara welcomes the non-immediate process of this chosen medium. Each variable along the journey carries additional influence in the outcome of a piece and adds to the mystery of its existence. Breakage and disappointments are (eventually) welcomed as driving forces for innovation and individuality.

Barbara's equally enthralled with the innate reaction to supping from handformed pottery as she was first introduced to clay through functional dinnerware. The pure simplicity of a bowl and the small details that result in truly ergonomic forms are infinitely fascinating and challenging to her.

She creates large to miniscule bowls, vases that hold flowers in unexpected ways, coffee & tea cups that provoke nesting urges, sugar bowls with a sense of fun and casseroles for baking and serving, to name a few.

Barbara high fires these for durability and unique glaze effects. She formulates many of her own glazes, often starting with recipes from other potters, adjusting them to suit her style (and a temperamental updraft kiln).

C E R A M I C S    R E S U M E


Visit the news & events section for a schedule of Open Studios and Exhibitions.

Barbara teaches ceramic classes at the studio and loves sharing her space with students. See the contact page for pics of students at work and some of their pieces!

For more on where to see Barbara Dunshee's work, see the news & events section.

Special thanks go to the late Walter Burnett, her first ceramic instructor, and to Larry and Judy Bruning of Bruning Pottery.