John Gill

David Peters is known for wood fired ceramics. His work as a ceramic artist is dedicated to sourcing and processing local clays from start to finish. Peters works in the vessel tradition: making functional and aesthetic pieces from clays found across the state of Montana.

He uses geological maps to seek out these clays. He travels to dig raw materials and then processing each clay at his home studio by blending elements to make both potter?s wheel and hand building friendly clay bodies for use.

Peters? wood-firing process allows the clays to reveal their unique personalities. A variety of textures, colors and gloss variations are ever present in his creations. Finished surfaces are dependent on the materials used, firing method and placement in the kiln. About his work, Peters takes the vantage point of ?paying attention, harvesting the beautiful, embracing the disappointment?. The wood firing process is demanding as is sourcing and refining local clays that each have their own unique geological and working characteristics.

In 2014, Peters discussed his work and his process during an interview with cinematographer Zane Clamplett. ?Clay ? A Film Portrait on David Peters? can be accessed here:https://vimeo.com/122937400.