Artist's Statement

Artist's Statement

Stephanie Coleman didn't plan on becoming an artist. The first half of her life was dedicated to business and technical pursuits. Armed with a Mathematical Economics degree from Wake Forest University and a Masters in Strategic Management from Georgia State University, she built a career as an executive at BellSouth in the high tech telecommunications field. There she spent her days in procurement and engineering, responsible for high speed telecom electronics and information technology.

However, art and sculpture were never far from her consciousness. Having taken a sculpture course in college, Stephanie continued to make "things" for her friends and family. Typically, these would be a twist on wrapping presents, building roosters, mailboxes, electric ranges, and miniature silver Christmas trees complete with light wheels and presents. All of these items were receptacles for that holiday's present, but often became an enduring gift in their own right.

In 1999, a colleague of Stephanie's convinced her (heck she filled out the form for Steph) to take an evening class of wheel thrown pottery. This was supposed to be a way to release tension and an excuse to get away from her high stress position. It wasn't easy. Her first instructor advised her to have a glass of wine before class because she was "stressing the clay." Her next recommendation was to throw blindfolded! However, Stephanie kept trying and began to make small bowls and vases.... sometimes lovely.... often misshapen. One class gave way to the next and in mid 2001, Stephanie started handbuilding classes at Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody. At the same time, she also took an early retirement from BellSouth and began planning her escape to permanent residence at Lake Oconee and a planned studio to 'play in the mud".

Now, Stephanie focuses mostly on handbuilding both functional ware like platters and bowls as well as more sculptural items, such as tiles and face jugs. Her newest pieces reflect her love for the lake, wildlife, and plant life as she builds birdbaths, fishstix, and other pieces for the garden. Stephanie fires her work in both an electric kiln as well as using the raku technique of firing items in a gas kiln, then plunging them into combustible materials to obtain unique and unpredictable results.

Stephanie's work has been exhibited at Wake Forest University and at the Spruill Center for the Arts. In addition, her work can be found at local festivals like the Southland Jubilee. Please contact me for any additional information or special requests.