Steven & Christine Andreson:
The process begins with a 25 pound block of soft clay. After hand-wedging, the clay is run through a ceramic’s press called a slabroller to form a dense, flat slab. The clay is then transferred to a board and dimension and details are added through carving and drawing on the surface over a period of weeks. Once dry to the touch, the clay is in it’s greenware state and ready for the first kiln firing to 1600 degrees over a period of hours. Once cool, it is called bisqueware and ready for glazing.

Glaze (colored liquid glass) is applied in layers with painter’s brushes. Once glazed, the piece is fired a second time, to 2200 degrees for nearly 24 hours. The firing melts the glaze which then hardens into a colored smooth, matt, or shiny surface. Our color test chart has 324 possible colors made by combining our 18 basic colors. Bold and subtle detail, often with painterly effects is achieved through glazing.

Steven and Christine Anderson have collaborated on artistic endeavors since 1990. Currently focusing on ceramics, they also have backgrounds in painting, photography, bookbinding, and printing. Both have worked extensively in the arts; Steven in museums and Christine as an architectural lighting and corporate art consultant.

Lucky enough to live in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, their studio is located inside their Victorian Cottage House and they often work on ceramic projects in their urban garden, weather permitting. They continue to find inspiration in architecture, nature, and design. The next series of work will be ceramic views of Milwaukee from Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers based on photos taken from their tandem kayak.

Technology Tiles Stylized Modern Homes Northwestern Mutual Life Building (in progress) located at 720 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee

Sunflower Tile	Trillium Tile