I have been making high-fired functional stoneware at my home studio in Eugene, Oregon since 1994.

Form and quality construction of the pot are of primary importance to me. I love the fact that my customers see my pots as works of art to display, but most of them use and enjoy their pots regularly because they are built to endure everyday use.

I am greatly influenced by the balance and utility of the forms of Asian pottery. In recent years I have concentrated on shino glazes, which have given me exciting results. I have learned to successfully fire a rusty-orange palate, while achieving smokey-purplish shinos on pieces that are fired in close proximity to copper glazed work. I am constantly challenged to learn how to control the kiln, while simultaneously benefitting from what I cannot control. Firing to 2400 degrees in a natural-gas kiln, I'm enjoying how much my pots lately have been reminiscent of wood-fired pottery, with flashes of color and touches of smoke left behind. In my own daily life, handmade pots appeal to my senses, contributing to my appreciation of quality within the culinary experience, whether enjoying quiet cereal in the morning, or savoring a lively dinner with my family or good friends.

-steve daniels

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