BIOGRAPHY
Working primarily in stoneware, Layne uses wheel-thrown and hand-built / stretching techniques to explore expressive forms and textures. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, he grew up surrounded by ceramics with his father being a teacher and a ceramic artist, spending time in his studio and helping out at summer art fairs.
Layne pursued a career in graphic design, graduating with a BFA in design and a minor in illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 1988. He started down a career path in design, working in Milwaukee before moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1998 for an employment opportunity. He rediscovered clay in the early 2000s after many years away, quickly becoming enamored. While he shares ownership of a small design firm, FuelHouse Creative, he is passionate about ceramics and wood firing. While he doesn't have formal training, he is driven by the freedom and creativity working with clay provides. Layne has participated in numerous national juried shows, invitationals, and gallery exhibitions.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a full time graphic design professional, I am energized by the alternative creative outlet that working with clay provides. I find great satisfaction in creating with my hands and the ability to determine boundaries and artistic direction. My desire to explore the ceramic arts is no doubt influenced by my father who was a practicing ceramic artist for many years.
I began my own journey into ceramics in my mid-thirties, and what started as a casual learning experience quickly became much more as curiosity began to inform my relationship with clay. As my work continues to evolve, I find my approach frequently shifting from wheel-thrown and altered forms, to hand-building, or hand forming my pieces, often working from a solid block of clay. Focusing on form and surface, texture is an integral part of my thinking and process – cutting, stretching, marking and allowing the material to react and have its own voice.
The majority of my work is wood-fired, a process that is full of history, challenges and rewards, and is part of the process that I thoroughly enjoy. I often think of flames interacting with a surface as textures and markings are developed, giving each piece its own distinct personality.
My goal is to create work that offers the user a unique experience, perhaps causing them to take a few minutes to explore the smaller details.
