Tan Vase 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 continued postgraduate 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 greenware 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 are my inspiration and serve as a resource for materials used in the design of my clay forms.