Beth Rasmussen

I threw my first pot in the Fall of 1955 - 50 years ago - while a student at the UW Madison. Professor Harvey Littleton was my teacher. He said to our class " I am not teaching you a craft. I am giving you an incurable disease. Once you have felt clay move under your hands you will never be the same." How true that was. I was hooked on clay.

I love the process of throwing pots - the feel of the clay moving and changing at my whim. I think a very simple pot can be a lovely work of art. I enjoy combining throwing and hand building and I am still learning. I enjoy the challenge of firing a gas kiln. It is so different each time; one can never get too comfortable. I enjoy developing glazes. I love the smell of my studio.

I have been a member of the Madison Potter's Guild since 1970. I have served time as President and in many other capacities. I have seen many potters come and go, each leaving a bit of themselves behind in their ideas and techniques. It is a great place to learn.

At present my work is in Door County, WI at the Domicile in Sister Bay and in Madison, Wisconsin at Higher Fire on Regent St. I also sell from my home and each year I have an open House with 700 to 800 pieces that I've made over the year.

I hope I can continue indefinitely.