Email:  ellischarla@hotmail.com 

Website: www.duttonditchstudio.com

Phone:  970-731-2307   

My philosophy about clay work comes from my love of nature. Balance is a crucial part of this, for me. I believe we are at risk of losing our connection with the outdoors. I want to bring the outdoors into our homes and lives as a reminder of our living earth. I can incorporate my love of nature and express the balance between man and nature when I work with stoneware clay and natural glazes. Whenever possible, I like to use ponderosa and other indigenous ashes in my glaze application, to reflect this region. I also like to add designs and objects directly from nature as decoration. I would say that my personal motif would generally be trees and leaves in particular. They create for me an expression of the rhythm, balance, and order of nature.

Ikebana

I am drawn to Ikebana pots and arrangements - as an art form. It is about developing and continuing a closeness with nature; a balance between colors, natural objects and shapes, graceful lines and linking the indoors and the outdoors. An Ikebana arrangement is considered to be a living thing. A single flower can be a symbol for all of nature. Recreating the vitality and energy of nature within the container and connected to a natural object makes the object and pot an integral part of the total design. Balance is created by incorporating simple asymmetrical designs with negative space. Branches, leaves, grasses and blossoms can all create intimacy with our natural surroundings. Taking the ikebana pots I make, joined with a rock or piece of wood and creating arrangements to fit them adds to my joy as a potter. It helps me stay connected to the natural world. I hope to pass this process on to those who own my pots.

We encourage you to contact the Artists directly if you should have questions, comments or would like to purchase their work.