Salt Fired Vase

Artist Bio

Dolores Thomson has been creating with clay for over thirty years. She studied
ceramics independently at Skidmore College and attended regional clay workshops to learn various techniques. She worked as a Teacher's Assistant for twelve years for Skidmore's Special Programs Raku class. She has taught children’s clay classes at BOCES after school program, and at other local clay studios.

Dolores studied art and art history at SUNY Adirondack, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with an A.A.S. degree in Communications and Media Arts. While at SUNY Adirondack, she received the Academic Excellence Award in  Communication / Media Arts - Photography Emphasis, the Student Award for Excellence for her watercolor “Lily”, and the Parnassus Award for Art History.

In 2004 Dolores established Clay Concepts Pottery Studio & Gallery, located in The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. She teaches wheel throwing and hand building classes and workshops, while continuing to explore new concepts for her own work. Dolores has shown her work in regional shows, galleries and shops, and won a few awards along the way. She has long been a member of LARAC, Saratoga Arts and North Country Arts, and is currently a board member of NCA and chair of the marketing committee.

Dolores is the mother of five children, whom she raised while pursuing her education and learning her craft. She is forever grateful to her husband, Alex, who continues to encourage and inspire her. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Dolores and Alex live in Hudson Falls, NY, where they raised their five children and a menagerie of pets.

Artist Statement

Clay is limitless in its form and expression. It carries the memory of the Earth from
which it came and captures the maker’s touch as it is transformed to pottery.
My works consists of a variety of forms, wheel thrown and hand built. I enjoy exploring the various techniques and firings of the ceramic process, making pottery for everyday use, as well as sculptural and decorative vessels.

The spirit of Native American, Asian and Japanese Wabi-Sabi aesthetics and design, as well as textures and forms found in nature inspire me as I create with clay. I am especially drawn to and challenged by creating the vessel form. In ancient times the vessel was a symbol of the Feminine; the giver of life, well being and nourishment. For me, the vessel is representative of things that matter and need to be kept safe. I find symmetry and grace in the simple, quiet forms.

The challenge to explore and express myself through clay has been a journey of self discovery. Clay has taught me to have patience, to seek balance and harmony, to let go of what I can’t control and to embrace the unexpected results. By its very nature, clay connects us to the Earth, and my awareness and appreciation of the world around me is heightened. As I continue to create with clay, I continue to create myself. 

“The Journey is the reward” -Tao