Angela Aradia

Bokeelia, Florida, USA

Title: Joyful

Year of Creation: 2008

Glaze: Rick's Turquoise, raku fired

Clay Body: Standard 153

Dimensions: Height 10 inches, Width 12 inches

Artist's Statement: I never feel truly complete until I throw a pot on the wheel. I find it is a form of active meditation. I peer inside myself as I prepare to throw and find the predominate emotion. I work to incorporate that spirit into each piece.

Working with clay has become a friendship, one that will be lifelong. I've learned that sometimes I know how a piece will be decorated and fired; other times, the piece will tell me. It's a good relationship. My work has changed over the years. I'm working larger and firing raku more often. I love the energy, the immediacy and the slightly dangerous aspects of raku firing. The technique employs all the elements and brings me great joy and peace.