Joe Clark Artist Statement:
In Joe’s 45 years of creating wheel thrown pottery his focus has been in the American Raku process using a variety of techniques to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces. The spontaneous, serendipitous nature of Raku firing continues to be exhilarating. His passion for art runs deep! From teaching art for 30 years in the public schools, to working as the Art Director for the Alexander House in Port Edwards for over a decade, and with over 40 years of experience in various forms of ceramic arts.
In the American Raku process, a work is heated to a desired temperature, then removed from the kiln while hot. The piece is placed on a combustible material, usually newspaper, hay, pine needles or sawdust. More combustibles are placed on top of the piece. The piece is covered with a can and allowed to stay in this smoking chamber for a predetermined amount of time. The smoke and oxygen touching the surface of the piece brings the one-of-a-kind piece to life.
Double Iris Studios is a collaborative adventure in the arts created by Nancy B. Blake and Joe Clark. Their home studio space allows for a wide range of creative expression including Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Quilts, Wood, Hot and Cold Glass Work, and Jewelry. Art is meant to engage people emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. To hold or to view a piece of art or fine craft of original design and execution, and to wonder at the skill and inspiration of it’s creator is indeed sublime.
Double Iris Studios have started to collaborate on many of their projects. Joe has started to design quilts and is beginning to quilt using a longarm. Nancy has started to embellish Joe’s pottery with beads and etched designs. They have done multiple silk-screened projects together and they are excited to think about what comes next.
Having joined lives and studios in their new home in the Baraboo bluffs, they love to share their creative spirit and endeavors with you.
