Sandra Shaughnessy
Ottertail, MN
Visual, Design, Ceramics
Residency Programs, Workshops for Adults, Demonstrate, Serve as a Juror, Consultant
I began exploring art early in life at a local art center and as a young apprentice potter at age 14 with the support from an artistic mother. My focus for the past four decades has been to explore the many attributes of clay. I am intrigued with the depth clay has to offer while I explore clay artists, materials, techniques and history. I am drawn to artwork that is created in a community and used in a ceremonial way highlighting the power and ritual of art. I’m intrigued with the artwork of the Pacific Northwest Kwakiutl and Tlingit communities, ceremonial objects and masks and contemporary clay work.
I characterize my soda glazed work in clay as “Ceremoniously Functional”. Using wheel thrown and hand altering techniques I work to incorporate elements of ritual between functional clay, daily life and art.
I received a B.F.A from the University of Northern Iowa with special studies at the University of New Mexico and an M.F.A. from Eastern Michigan University. My clay work can be found at Minnesota galleries, studio tours and art fairs. I have work in many private and public collections: Minnesota Museum of Art, Eastern Michigan Gallery of Art, Ann Arbor Artist Guild and the Des Moines Art Center to name a few. I have taught ceramics at numerous regional art centers and community centers throughout the Midwest, providing instruction for all ages. Additionally, I have taught ceramics, sculpture and Art 101 at Eastern Michigan University and Winona State University.
In 2019 I built, Clayhouse Pottery Studio in rural Ottertail, Minnesota. This 1300 sq. foot studio includes a gas, soda fired, cart kiln where I am continuing my lifelong fascination with clay!
Organization: Clayhouse Pottery Studio
