ABOUT GLASSMAN CLAYWORKS

MY STORY

Stuart Glassman is an imaginative clay artist who creates stoneware platters, plates, bowls & tiles.   Each hand built original is embellished with images of  nature:  leaves, dragonflies,  amphibians & sea life.  They seem to come to life in his richly colored works.  The unique glaze formulas & techniques are distinctly his own - a result of endless experimentation.  Enduring & functional, the pieces are food/warm oven/dishwasher safe. A general & vascular surgeon in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Dr. Glassman has pursued his passionate interest in clay for more than 20 years.  He has exhibited in Ann Arbor, MI; Coconut Grove, FL; Cherry Hill, NJ; Cincinnati, OH; Atlanta , Georgia; Asheville, NC and Hendersonville, NC. Currently he maintains a private clay studio with his wife, Barbara (also a clay artist),  in Hendersonville,  located south of Asheville in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.  His clay work is available at his studio by appointment.

WHY CRITTERS?

“I grew up in Miami Beach and I often swam in the ocean. We lived on a canal where I fished and observed the sea life in the water. It was always entertaining and very calming. Though I appreciate many styles of art and design, these simple creatures speak to me. They are symbols of life itself: exquisite, unique and constantly interacting with their environment. It’s so basic but it makes me feel a connection to nature. I really enjoy trying to bring them to life in my work and hope they bring a bit of joy and delight to others.”

MY PROCESS

Starting with large blocks of white stoneware, I roll the clay numerous times through a slab roller until it becomes the approximate size of the platter. Then cut each slab into a unique shape; every one is different. My designs are impressed into the clay slab and are enhanced with various tools. I love using Michael Sherrill’s “Mudtools” to smooth the surface. I begin to form the platter by nudging and working it to the contour I am looking for. It is supported on all sides to avoid warping. The platters are dried s l o w l y to prevent cracking. The drying process may take up to a month for large platters.

Once the platter is fully dry (“greenware”) it is placed in the kiln. It will go through a slow firing process that will reach over 1900 degrees F transforming it into vitrified “bisqueware” - ceramic ware that is durable yet still porous. Glazing is a multifaceted endeavor. Over many years I have created a series of my own diverse glazes that I apply in layers to bring richness and depth to my pieces. It is an ongoing dance I do: experimentation, guesswork, luck, and magic!

The piece will go through it’s final firing reaching a temperature of around 2200 - 2250 degrees F depending on the firing schedule I have chosen. Cooling down slowly to a hand-able temperature can take over 3 days.

It is always a breathtaking moment when the kiln is opened and the pieces are revealed. There are often disappointments or cracks but there are many delights when a platter emerges unscathed and awesome. This is why I create. I gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Sharing my work with others is very rewarding - their pleasure and enjoyment makes me feel great!

Close up of Platter: Lizards in Moonlight