Sharon Hemry says, "I have been working in clay for over 40 years, creating various pieces both functional and decorative. Because clay is such a versatile medium, it allows one great artistic freedom. For many of my pieces I have employed the Raku process, a pottery technique dating to the 16th century AD. Raku is an art form both contemporary and timeless. In that process the potter uses metal tongs to remove the ceramic piece from the kiln while it is orange hot and glowing. It is then thrust into sawdust, which bursts into flames producing unique signatures of copper lusters and smokey patterns. These are captured only once, making each piece an original. I received my bachelor of fine arts in ceramics and sculpture from the University of Colorado and the University of Alaska. I presently own a pottery business, making and selling pottery to galleries."