Raku Pottery Artist Steven Forbes-deSoule

My ceramics career started in 1975, when I resigned from my corporate job and decided to return to college at Georgia State University in Atlanta. I just happened to take a pottery class and the rest is history. I received my Master of Visual Arts and Ceramics in 1980, built a studio in my home in Atlanta and started making pots and sculpture.

 
 

In 1992, my wife, Lynn and I built our home and my studio pottery outside of Weaverville in the mountains of western North Carolina. The entire ground floor of our home is my studio. In the corporate world everyone aspires to have a corner office with a view. I must say that my corner office view is fantastic and inspirational! I am truly blessed to awaken every morning surrounded by Natures’ beauty and excited about going to work!

The one constant with my raku pottery work throughout the years has been transformation. As a raku artist, I find it fun and challenging to try new things, and I especially enjoy developing new glaze recipes. I started firing using the raku process in 1981 and found the element of serendipity and surprise to be invigorating. Consequently, all of my firings since then have been raku.  I estimate that I've done at least 7000 raku firings since 1981.  Recently, I was selected to be part of “100 Southern Artists,” published by Schiffer Publishing Co. My work is part of private, corporate and museum collections in the US., Europe, Japan, Mexico, Canada and Australia.

I am also a co-owner/member of Ariel Gallery located in downtown Asheville, NC.  Ariel is a cooperative gallery that was founded in 2001 and has been at its current location at 19 Biltmore Avenue (see map) since 2009.  We currently have 12 members working in a variety of mediums.  All of us are long-time professional artists working full time at our craft.

 
Hot Raku Vessel Removed From KilnCourtesy of Erica Mueller Photography

Hot Raku Vessel Removed From Kiln

Courtesy of Erica Mueller Photography

 

Raku Pottery Studio in Weaverville, NC

My studio is open twice a year as part of the Weaverville Art Safari.  “The Weaverville Art Safari is one of the original studio tours in the Asheville Area. It is a self guided free event that offers a unique look at the artist’s work in their working environment, featuring artists who specialize in handmade pottery, glass, photography, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, painting, drawing, fiber art, wood art and more.”

Also, for a unique tour of my studio you can plan a visit with Art Connections Tours. These special tours are designed to connect art lovers and collectors with the makers in the most authentic way: one on one, in the places where they do their work in scenic Western North Carolina. They are a perfect experience for any art lover. Contact Sherry Masters who would gladly add you to an upcoming tour.

 
Recent visit to my raku pottery studio with Art Connections Tours

Recent visit to my raku pottery studio with Art Connections Tours

 

My ceramics have been featured in various publications and have been represented by galleries and museums nationwide.  I continue to derive great pleasure in developing new glazes and consequently new looks and sizes for my raku pottery.  I am constantly adding new pieces as I explore these new glazes and techniques.  To stay up to date with all of my latest raku pottery and events, please see my press & news section, sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know about a discounted “Pot of the Month” and follow me on Facebook & Twitter.   Thank you and enjoy!