Julie Brand 

I strive for a symbiotic relationship between my art work and my being.

I paint with underglazes on my pottery as it is my canvas. I paint nature’s details using a flower, a leaf, or even an urban scene under a microscope. I magnify life’s reflection in my art. I work with mid-fire stoneware with both a potter’s wheel and hand building techniques. I alter an carve the leather-hard clay and then paint imagery on unfired, greenware with underglazes. After a bisque firing, I add a medley of commercial and hand-mixed glazes to the pieces before their second and, sometimes third firing.

My inspiration for subject matter emerges from my relationships with family, friends, my past experiences, and my curiosity about our interrelationships. Often, my inspiration for design arises from my rural surroundings here in Missouri where I live and work. The view from my potter’s wheel informs me of nature’s intricacies. I am thankful to have this relationship with clay and the opportunity to use art as my voice.