Colby Charpentier

Steven Lee?s work falls into two categories: functional dinnerware related pieces, and sculptures created from functional forms rendered non-functional by creating slumped, fractured or split vessels. His large thrown pieces are inspired by traditional forms from various cultures including a series based on Korean storage jarsfrom the Joseon Dynasty. He has used various surface techniques including traditional ceramic glazes andunderglazedecoration, as well as less traditional materials such as auto body paint and gold leaf.

Not content to make well-crafted porcelain forms, Lee has created a body of work in which he deconstructs the pot with carefully placed ?accidental? cracks and breaks. Often these pots slump and bend as if being poured out of themselves. He appropriates imagery and pattern from Asian and European sources using blue or red underglaze or white sgraffito.He playfully uses the positioning of his mark on his vessels requiring the observer to closely examine not only the foot rim, under foot but also the decorative motifs for his hidden ?LEE? mark.