Stanley Andersen

Stanley M. Andersen received a B.A. in Philosophy, a B.A. in Sociology, and a Master of Library Science at the University of Iowa before receiving his MFA in Ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1978. He was an Artist-in-Residence at Penland School of Crafts from 1979-1983. In 1983, Stan and his wife bought an old mountain farm in Bandana, NC. The pastures, meadows, gardens and woodlands that surround his studio serve as inspiration for the surface decoration of his pottery. He produces utilitarian earthenware pots for the table and kitchen, using the maiolica technique to paint his pieces with strong colors and flowing patterns.

"I work with earthenware clay and I am concerned primarily with making utilitarian earthenware for table and kitchen use. The pieces are fired in an oxidation atmosphere to cone 03 (about 2000 F) in an electric kiln. I use the majolica technique in decorating my pots... I feel the majolica technique best allows me to convey the kind of attitude or feeling I want my pottery to evoke - that is one of lightheartedness."'