Stewart Martin is a visual artist working primarily in clay & glass. His background is founded in the natural world, having a degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology. His interest in clay & glass began during his time attending California State University, Long Beach, CA.

He works as a formalist using the elements of design: line, shape, form, mark, texture, color and value to tell stories that speak to the abstract depth and quality of the natural earth processes of weathering, erosion, heat & fire, and the effects of time. The forms are simple in shape, volume & line to allow emphasis of the clay’s surface. Early influence on his work comes from the California Abstract Expressionist clay movement.

Smoke Fired Vessels….After an initial firing to 1800° f the forms are fired in one of several types of saggars that contain metallic & organic materials that enhance the surface created with smoke and painting by the fire itself.

Naked Raku Vessels…After an initial firing to 1800° f the forms are coated with a clay slip then decorated with a resist glaze. They are then fired to red heat, removed from the kiln while hot, allowed to cool slightly and placed in a post firing reduction atmosphere created by pine chips & newspaper. The slip/glaze is removed to reveal the “naked” bare clay with smoke enhanced surface.

Each form is individually hand thrown on a potter’s wheel. The firing techniques have been chosen to create a unique surface that enhances the simple form of the piece.