Michael Klapthor

I have a strong interest in figurative work, specifically using physicality to convey thoughts and emotions. This has been a common trend in much of my clay work throughout my artistic career. Each sculpture becomes a character that tells a small piece of their story.

In my current series, I'm using altered forms from the wheel as my sole building material to construct sculptures that have a 1950's science fiction aesthetic. The rounded, even forms I can create on a potter's wheel lend themselves easily to recreating this look, and the metal-rich clay and stains I use add rusty, worn character to each piece. The result for me is a studio full of robots and ray-guns that I hope will resonate with my audience about fun and nostalgia, but also thinking of new ways to employ traditional mediums.