Luke Shalan is an artist and designer living and working in the USA. He examines both traditional and modern forms of production, seeking to reveal the nuances found in mundane processes. Working primarily with clay, Luke pushes the limits of the material, while continuing to master and utilize traditional forms of ceramic production. Through his work, he continually reminds us that we are physical beings living in a reactive and unpredictable space.
What was the inspiration for your Steinbeisser pieces?
I was inspired by physicality, everyday objects out of context, and clay’s materiality.
Describe your work in 3 words!
Process-driven. Archival. Unpredictable.
What kind of materials do you use and where do you get them from?
I use a variety of different clay bodies all sourced from the western USA.
Which conscious lifestyle choices are you making and are you considering any new ones?
Move slower. In this time of the internet, where instant gratification is almost expected, I’ve made a conscious choice to try to move slower. Inspect, dissect, and absorb. Spend time in nature. I’ve always done this, but lately I’ve made it a priority to spend at least a few hours a day outside embracing and respecting the natural world. Think positive. This one is pretty basic, but super important! Perspective is so key to the way we live out our lives. With positive affirmations come positive living. Be adaptable. Adaptability is key to finding joy in life.
What have you rebelled against in the past and what are you rebelling against now?
I’ve always appreciated material traditions, but find myself rebelling against many traditional methods of working with clay, utilizing its materiality in somewhat unorthodox ways. My practice acts as an expressive outlet to explore beyond the tried-and-true ways of using a material.