Sam Scott

I have been a ceramic artist in Seattle since 1968 and have worked predominately in porcelain on the potter’s wheel. My forms are defined by functional simplicity and the white surface of each piece is decorated with abstract brushwork in blues, browns and grays.
I also utilize the contrast of the white porcelain surface with a black matte glaze. The development of this glaze has allowed me to employ new forms of decoration on the clay surface, juxtaposing biomorphic poured shapes in contrast to the dense white porcelain. These drips create a graphic tension that is enhanced by orienting the directional flow of the glaze from both rim and foot of the piece. The shape of the pot informs the pouring process creating overlapping patterns which integrate the form, surface, and decoration, unifying the overall design.
More recently I have been exploring my interest in science and technology and their impact on society in a series of “Impression” plates. The contents of each plate are meant to “serve up” commentaries or provoke observations of the ideas, decisions and developments that impact our actions and leave an “impression” on our society.
My goal is to blend technique and intuition in both form and surface treatment, while working in the vessel format.

I was born and raised in Seattle, WA and began working with clay at High School in 1968. I went to the University of Washington to work with Robert Sperry, Patti Warashina and Howard Kottler. Receiving my BFA in 1975, I proceeded to set up my studio in the Seattle area. Over the years I’ve taught at the University of Washington and Everett Community College and have given numerous workshops. I currently teach at Shoreline Community College.

My work has been shown in important national and international exhibitions, and has won various awards. A few of the exhibitions include: NCECA Invitational 2012, Seattle, WA; NCECA Invitational 2010, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Objects of Virtue 2009, Walnut Creek, California; Craft Forms 2008, Wayne, Pennsylvania; 2007 Biennial Exhibition of North American Functional Clay, Guilford, Connecticut; 2007 NCECA Clay National Biennial Exhibition, Louisville, Kentucky; 14th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National 2006, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Looking Forward Glancing Back, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, Washington.

I have had work published in magazines including Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated and Clay Times. And I am mentioned or my work is included in various books, such as: American iPottery by Kevin Hluch, Glazing Techniques by the American Ceramic Society, Robert Sperry Bright Abyss by Matthew Kangas, Making Marks by Robin Hopper, China Paint and Over Glaze by Paul Lewing, 500 Cups: Ceramic Exploration of Utility and Grace (Lark Books), 500 Pitchers: Contemporary Expressions of a Classic Form (Lark Books), 500 Plates and Char¬gers (Lark Books) and The Best of 500 Ceramics (Lark Books).