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JEF RAASCH (414) 481-4461
361 E. Becher Street
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 807-1900 (cellular)
MEDIUM: Ceramics
I am the sole creator of each of my ceramic sculptures. While I do throw my own vessels on the wheel, I do not consider myself a potter, rather a sculptor and painter. To me the throwing of the pot is equivalent to a painter stretching a canvas. What goes on the outside surface is much more important than the vessel itself.
I work with porcelain into which I wedge a black stain, rendering a smooth black clay body. After throwing the vessel on the wheel I may embellish the pieces with sculptural elements. Elaborate paintings with glazes and underglazes are incised, revealing the black stained porcelain beneath, giving my drawings a texture depth.
Animals and other ancient motifs are reoccurring themes in my work. I do not pre-draw my designs; rather I start with an idea and allow a story to unfold on the piece.
My larger earthenware sculptures tangle and mix animal shapes and colors for a rich visual mélange.
