Kirk Waln, Ceramic Artist

Retiring from careers in geology and wildlife biology in 2014 Kirk began courses in

ceramics at Ventura College in 2016. His work is primarily functional ware

employing either the Japanese nerikomi technique or surface decoration using a

variety of colored slip application methods. His nerikomi work is primarily hand-

built and often involves slabs of colored clay or layers of colored clay extruded

through dies and formed into repeating patterns. His slipware decorated pieces

are either wheel thrown or slab-built and decorated by slip trailing or marbling

techniques.

His current work employs colored porcelain in various forms. The nerikomi

patterns he makes are typically tessellations of geometric shapes, which he finds a

fascinating contrast to the amorphous and homogenous nature of raw clay.

Almost diametrically in opposition to the rigid patterns and painstaking technique

of his nerikomi work, he enjoys the more organic fluidity of throwing and then slip

decorating with the somewhat random outcome of slip decorating, an ever-

interesting surprise.