Mary Doezema - Porcelain & Raku Pottery

Art making has interested me most of my life.  From early on I have enjoyed making things of beauty and utility.  I discovered clay and it’s wonderful possibilities for expression while teaching art.  I loved the variety of things I could do with clay, and the feel of a form developing in my hand.

Porcelain clay is a very fluid, smooth, and responsive medium in  which to work.  I enjoy working with the white surface which gives depth to the color of each glaze.

My recent work explores the aesthetic and function of a piece.  The shapes are developed to enhance the use of each piece.  I like decorating each object with rich glazes, using pattern to emphasize the form and delight the eye.

Most of my work is utilitarian so there is the challenge of making each piece aesthetically pleasing as well as appropriate to its use.
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Working in Raku has also interested me most of my career.  The spontaneity and surprise are exciting to work with.  I have used the flame and carbon to enhance my work.  Both sculptural and functional work respond well to this technique.

                      
Education        (selected list)

1968 - B.A., Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI.
 Post Graduate Studies: Stanford University, Penland School of Crafts, Canadore College, Grand Valley State Univ., numerous workshops Leadership Experience  (selected list)

1983-1985 - founding president, West Michigan Potters Guild

1972-present, own and operate Doezema’s Pottery  Shows, Exhibitions, and Awards *  (selected list)             

1978, 1982, 1984, 1989, 1992, and 1996 - Calvin College  Alumni shows                       

1980, 1981*, 1982, 1985*, 1986, 1990, 1991 - Regional Show at the Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI

 *1983 - purchase award, Ramparts, Grand Rapids, MI
   1985 - TEAPOTS, Mindscape Gallery, Evanston, IL
   1986, 1989, *1990 - Michigan Ceramics, Detroit, MI
   1987 - two person show, Lowell Area Arts Council,  Lowell, MI
   1987 - Calvin College faculty Art Show, Grand Rapids, MI
   1989 - “Out of the Pits- A Raku Pottery Show”, two person show, Gallery 154, Grand Rapids, MI
   1990 - two person show, Grand Rapids Art Museum Sales and Rental Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
   1991 - Festival Art Competition show, Grand Rapids, MI
 *1991 - Teapot Competition, Design Quest, Grand Rapids, MI, second place
   1992 - West Michigan Ceramics Invitational, Muskegon Community College, Muskegon,MI
   1996 - Art In Worship Show, Calvin College, Grand  Rapids, MI
   1996 - ArtFull Cup, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
   2005 – Regional Competition, Lowell Area Arts Council, Lowell, MI
   2005 – Vessels, Holland Area Arts Council, Holland, MI
   2005 – Boxes and More, Krasle Art Centre, St Joseph, MI
   2005 – Purchase Award, Portside Art Fair, East Jordan, MI
   2006 – Artist in residence, Forrest Hills Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids, MI
   2006 – Celebration of the Arts, First United Methodist Church, Grand  Rapids, MI

            Galleries
   1981 - Gallery 154, Grand Rapids, MI
   1996 - Synchronicity, Glen Arbor, MI
    2005 – Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing, MI
    2005 – The Turnery Studio & Fine Art Gallery, Cheboygan, MI
    2006 - Khnemu Studio, Fennville, MI
            Teaching and workshops (selected list)
    1973-1977 - taught adult pottery classes in various art centers in Ontario, Canada
    1978-2006 - Taught adult pottery classes in my studios
    1988-2005 - Frequently gave workshops for schools in West Michigan
             2006 – Artist in Residence, Forest Hills Public Schools, Ada, MI