Aaron Rotchadl

Handmade objects have the power to impact us greatly- whether they stir up an emotion, trigger a memory, excite the senses, or simply serve a useful function in our day to day lives. An artist's process and inspiration are always "baked in" to a handmade object - however subtly - adding meaning to the way the piece is used and perceived. A pattern on a jacket, a spray-painted sidewalk, the palette of a wildflower, pinesap dripping from a tree: to me, these glimpses are all seeds of inspiration. They’re starting points for explorations into form, color, and texture. Shaping these initial sparks into finished vessels is a truly magical experience. Once a piece is “finished,” its life as an object is really just beginning. As familiar forms, handmade ceramic vessels have the ability to sneak quietly through the side door and into people’s daily lives; where they can fulfill their potential as objects of engagement.

I don’t follow any rules for getting glazes on to pots in my studio. Liquid, powder, coils, spray, dried chips, globs, globs covered in dried chips: my glazes take on all these forms and more as they find their way onto pots. Keeping in mind that glazes soften and become molten when fired, I’ll load many pieces upside down, sideways, or at some crooked angle to allow gravity to play a lively and mysterious role in melding surface and form. The result is a piece that challenges convention and physics. I strive to make a pot that draws people in and begs them to slow down and appreciate the present moment.

I earned a BA in Ceramic Art from the University of Minnesota in 2010 and moved to Moab in 2013 to work as a whitewater river guide. After a long break from clay I joined a community studio in Park City in 2016 and haven't looked back. I've taught classes at Desert Sun Ceramics, Moab's community clay studio andI'm currently transforming a 1981 20' camper trailer to become my home studio. When I'm not in the studio I'm usually rock climbing or floating in my kayak. I also work part time as a Rope Access Technician repairing wind turbine blades all around the country.

Aaron Rotchadl's Studio Information

Studio

567 N 500 W
Moab, UT 84532

Visit Dates

Sat. Sept. 4th
Sun. Sept. 5th

Times
10 am to 6 pm (every day)

Visitor info

Although we are outdoors, social distancing and masks will be required in order to shop. Thanks in advance!