Turquoise Flower Medium Vase by Gary Shaffer

10" x 5"

facebook.com/shafferpottery

About the Artist

Gary Shaffer lives and works in Brooks, W.Va., located in the New River National River area. He produces high-fired stoneware and porcelain pottery, mostly wheel-thrown, and fires reduction cone 10 in three kilns - one for glaze ware, one for salt firing, and the third for wood firing.

Shaffer began making pottery in a high school program in Wellsburg, WV and went on to Glenville State College studying ceramics under Charles Scott. Upon graduation, Shaffer taught junior high and high school art and mathematics in Wirt County, W.Va. In 1982 he began making pottery on a full-time basis.

Functional pottery is the focus of Shaffer's work. It is where he has always found great satisfaction. Using a wide variety of glazes and brushwork designs, he sometimes refers to himself as a "multiple personality potter." Shaffer does not hesitate to jump into new techniques in clay. Slip-decorated salt-fired ware and large, sculptural wood-fired vases and lidded jars are major current interests. These wood-fired pieces are thrown and altered using just the hands and sculpted into their final shape by pushing in and out on the clay. The result is a dramatic yet harmonious piece expressing grace in movement.

This piece was made available by Tamarack Marketplace. To learn more about Tamarack, visit tamarackwv.com.

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