Debra Steidel

In 1974, at the age of 17, I discovered my life’s work and passion…Clay. Since those first years, my work has gone through many evolutions of refinement and growth. To make a living as a potter has not been an easy journey. It has been one of triumph and disappointment, joy and hard work. It is a way of life I would never trade. My medium is high fire porcelain clay. Starting with a ball of clay, I form each vessel on the potter’s wheel. My lids are all sculpted one by one. The glaze I use is a crystalline glaze. With each firing, every pot is uniquely different, making each piece a true one-of-a-kind. There can be many unforeseen circumstances in the fire, but when everything falls into place, the surprise and elegance of a beautiful pot makes it all worth while. I feel our world has become over saturated with machine made production items. Fine crafted works of art are becoming a rarity as people have left behind the tradition of working with one’s hands. It has taken many years to acquire my skills, a process that is ever continuing. I strive to create works of art that will be cherished by their owner and enjoyed for generations to come.