Michael Imes

Pewaukee, Wisconsin

“I have always enjoyed working with geometry, in an organic pinch pottery way.

When I began my search for a place setting design I made a number of plates, bowls and cups using different geometries.  I made them with 3, 4, 5 and 6 openings, triune, quadroid, pentoid and hexoid.  When I set them on a large table to have a look it was immediately evident that the pentoid forms were the ones I had to do. So my studio began to fill with different pentoid solutions to these forms.  I decided that I was not concerned with complete uniformity; after all this is art and my intention is to be making one of a kind pieces.  With this in mind I have arranged each place setting to work with the other members of its setting, and for all of them to be connected through their ‘fiveness’  The pieces are all formed using a pinch coil technique.  They are high-fired stoneware and are dishwasher and microwave safe.”

In addition to being a potter, Imes is a Waldorf teacher and teacher-trainer.  He currently teaches ceramics at the college level in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he makes his home.