Michael Stek

Pottery

My Process

Wildfires, reduction, salt and oxidation fires Handmade Ceramic sculptures and wheel thrown pottery.

My Inspiration

I have had a strong fascination with archeology, anthropology and art since childhood. Some of my greatest influences have been the primal forms and stories of traditional cultures from around the world. Primal art forms have influenced the imaginations and the works of artists throughout time. Indigenous artists were masters of utilizing materials from natural resources, as well as materials imported or manufactured by outsiders. Each form, whether a totem, mask, shield, body art or figurine was created as a means of connecting human beings to each other and to the spirit world.

Fun Facts

I have been active in teaching and producing art in public and private venues to children and adults throughout my adult life. It was really during later part of my undergrad studies where I began using my early life experience years growing up where I was traveling the world that my area of personal interest began to focus on clay and in particular, figurative, gestural clay sculptures.