Lee Middleman

Lee Middleman’s goal is to pursue the interplay of shape, surface texture, ordered patterns and random effects so that work is created that intrigues the eye and demands to be handled.

The tactile feel and visual look of surface textures are essential to his pieces. Lee’s recent work is focused on creating textures by deeply impressing patterns into the initial thrown form without distorting the overall shape. From there, he shapes the piece from inside only. This technique allows the pattern to evolve as the clay twists and expands. As the pattern adjusts to the shape and function of the vessel, it becomes reflective of Nature’s adaptation to the form.

For these high-fire pieces, the glazing process enhances the natural aesthetic of order and randomness. Thinly glazed surfaces highlight the macro-patterns and reveal the stoneware clay’s micro-texture created during the expansion process.