Platter by Ron Hahlen

I was first introduced to clay as an art form while a high-school student. Encouraged and inspired to pursue this as a career by some great teachers and artists, I attended The University of Northern Iowa on an Art scholarship and graduated in 1966. In 1972 I received my MA from UNI with a creative thesis in Ceramics. I have continued post graduate studies at The University of Iowa. In 2008 I retired from The Dubuque Community Schools as an Art Teacher after 41 years. 
 
My pottery is fired in a gas, wood or salt kiln to stoneware temperatures. I apply clay-slips, metal-washes and glazes to either green ware or bisque ware for color. The majority of my work is a combination of wheel thrown, slab construction and slump mold construction. Organic and man made textures complete the forms.
 
The Mississippi River and the surrounding area is my inspiration and serves as a resource for materials used in design of my clay forms.