About

Background and Creative Process

It seems like I've always been making pottery. The first pinch pot I made in Kindergarten is sitting on a shelf next to some pots I made a few weeks ago. It's always been a part of my life.

In 2009 I decided to make it my main focus and started my business. First working independently, out of the studios of the Newaygo County Council for the Arts, in Fremont, MI and then as an Apprentice to Master Potter Peter F. Johnson at Terrestrial Forming Pottery Studio in Whitehall, MI.

Finished Glaze Kiln at Terrestrial Forming

Firing the large two chamber kiln at Terrestrial Formings

Outside view or Terrestrial Forming Studio

Working at Terrestrial Forming Studio.

When my apprenticeship ended I moved to southeast Michigan and became a member of the Ann Arbor Potters Guild. There I have served on the Board, participated in spring and winter sales and also in the Guild booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. From 2011 until 2019 I made all of my work at the studio on Hill St.

Installing new Bailey Kilns at the Ann Arbor Potters Guild Outside View of the Ann Arbor Potters Guild

Working at the Ann Arbor Potters Guild and the Ann Arbor Art Fair

In September of 2019 I set up my own studio in my garage and it is an ongoing work in progress.

Black and White image of Aslakson Pottery Studio Autumn throwing on the potters wheel

The new garage studio

I make my work using a potter's wheel. I use a white stoneware clay body, and throw different forms using the wheel. Some simple pieces, like small bowls only need to be partially dried and then trimmed to finish the foot. Other items, like coffee mugs, need to be trimmed and then have handles or other parts applied. Once all the parts are put together, I dry my work slowly to prevent cracking. Then they are fired without glaze up to 1826 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the bisque stage of firing. The wares are still porous enough to accept liquid glaze, but partially vitrified so they won't disintegrate in water. Then, I apply food safe glazes to the bisque ware, using wax resist to make most of my designs. The glazed pots are then fired a second time up to 2345 degrees. Once they are cool, they are ready to use.

All the work I make is food safe, microwave safe and dishwasher safe. I avoid using lead and barium in my glazes. I make my work to be used, enjoyed and given as gifts.