About Page
Artist Statement
Norma Williams
Pleasant Nest Pottery
Artists Alley, Mangum Oklahoma
My fascination with clay began over twenty years ago. After taking all the ceramics and art courses that a local SW Oklahoma college had to offer, I was thrilled to relocate in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, home of Warren McKenzie, possibly the most famous and influential of U.S. potters. His influence and presence in the Minnesota and Wisconsin region has created a Mecca for professional potters, many of them his former students.
The exclusive Northern Clay Center in MN provided an opportunity to continue my training and to work in a studio environment. I then studied under Richard Abnett and Randy Johnston.
Clay always provided for me a fascinating creative exploration of form, texture and color. After becoming experienced with high-fired stoneware that was functional art, I entered the ceramics realm of Raku - art for arts' sake. I was smitten by the spontaneity and the dance of fire involved in the Raku processes: traditional raku, horsehair, Naked (resist slip), and aluminum foil saggar.
Our retirement to Southwest Oklahome seems to have brought me full circle. It is here in the quietness of this small town that my work continues to evolve, expressing and sharing my contentment with each that passes my hands.
The pottery is located in Mangum OK on "Artists Alley" on the west side of the Court House - a grouping of artists' studios, galleries, and coffee shop. Open 10:00 to 5:00, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.