{"title":"Delores Fortuna","description":"\u003ch2\u003eArtist Statement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eMy work uses basic wheel thrown shapes as starting points; the clay wall defines both the silhouette of the form and records the time-event process of throwing. The clay wall becomes a fabric, a diary rich with gestural marks and intent. As a seamstress would cut, fold, and dart cloth to make a garment, I use this clay fabric to shape utilitarian vessels. These vessels ask questions, explore solutions, and live in your home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly influences in my work were the simple yet intense forms of Hans Coper, Lucy Rie and Ruth Duckworth and the color theories of Josef Albers. I had the honor of studying with Ruth Duckworth at the University of Chicago for my undergraduate and graduate degrees and Richard Lafean was a pivotal in developing my wheel throwing touch. I have always responded to work which is form simple but structurally complex deriving much visual information from a diverse array of contemporary clay artists as well as historical ceramics. My current work is shaped as much by simple thoughts as by elaborate clay working ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 2015, I retired after 16 years of teaching in the Ceramics Department of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I continue to share my experiences and knowledge at workshops and conferences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe clay and glazes I use are often of my own formulation, fired to stoneware temperatures (2374° F) in a gas reducing fiber kiln vitrifying the porcelain clay and glazes; the glazes are food safe, mircowave and dishwasher stable. I want my work to bridge an art aesthetic with the craft making of objects; a teapot which rests on a shelf as a visual object can serve a great pot of tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe studio is off a dirt road in a cedar woods, you are always welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"low-bowl-1","title":"Low Bowl","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eDelores Fortuna\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Delores Fortuna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46907862548718,"sku":"DF36","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0585\/7784\/6471\/files\/DF36a_Fortuna_2CDelores.webp?v=1755971570"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0585\/7784\/6471\/collections\/1000005702.jpg?v=1755119258","url":"https:\/\/belgerarts.org\/collections\/delores-fortuna.oembed","provider":"Belger Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}