Minnesota Clay Co. USA Galleries
Richard Garriott-Stejskal

Testimony:
"I want to let you know that after a trial of many clays I will only use Minnesota Clay. Your sculpture clay performs admirably with my large clay figures. I use to rely on local manufactures, but the quality control was far from perfect. Some of my pieces have three weeks work in them. I can't take chances. I have to drive 120 miles to get your clay, but it's worth it! Thanks for your great product."

Richard

	Working with clay verges on being a spiritual experience. I feel this incredible link stretching back 35,000 years with every artist who has ever worked with clay. I can't think of any other medium that has the immediacy of clay, nor the veracity. It seems to record the sum of its history. And, a touch seems to release it. I can always tell someone who works in clay. They have to feel a piece to see it. Working in clay is always more than doing the art. There is a technical side that has to do with everything from the formulation of the clay, the way you work it, dry it, fire it and finish it. There is a huge body of technical information and experience about clay. In many ways, the artist working in clay is like an alchemist. And, like the alchemist, the process of working in clay not only transforms the materials, but also transforms the artist.
Image: © Richard Garriott-Stejskal "Winged Aviator" Stoneware 23" x 11" x 11"
My work is about people. It's not about specific people but more about the human condition. The people in my work are in transition. They are becoming something other than what they were. I want to probe the psychology of that transformation. I want my work to have the drama, the power and surprise of the first line of Franz Kafka's, "The Metamorphosis."
Image: © Richard Garriott-Stejskal "Baseball Hattus Ubiquitous" Stoneware 24" x 11" x 11"	Image: © Richard Garriott-Stejskal "Masked Icarus" Stoneware 21" x 11" x 9"
Richard Garriott-Stejskal 520 Slate NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: 505-843-7649 stejskal@swcp.com