Inside the Studio

Visit with Dana Bechert

Close-up of artist Dana Bechert's hands sculpting clay on a Potter's wheel in her studio.

Through the sgraffito technique of scratching away layers of pigmented clay to reveal the contrasting white porcelain underneath, Dana Bechert's newest sculptures marry abstract patterns with illustrations of flora and fauna. Step inside her studio below.

Artist Dana Bechert hand sculpting clay while spinning it on a Potter's wheel in her studio. — Photo by Marisa Albrecht

Artist Dana Bechert hand-molding clay on a Potter's wheel in her studio. — Photo by Marisa Albrecht

Clay carving materials and tools in artist Dana Bechert's studio. — Photo by Marisa Albrecht

A table setup outside of Dana Bechert's studio where she carves into and glazes her ceramic surfaces before firing in a kiln.

My vases are all one-of-a-kind and carved freehand. The illustrated works are sometimes thematic, drawing inspiration from the natural world as well as historic engravings and illustrations.
Dana Bechert

Dana Bechert's Kingfisher vase carving before firing with an Audubon reference book.

Two of Dana Bechert's black and white illustrated vases in the studio.

One of Dana Bechert's black and white illustrative vases depicting a crane sitting on a shelf next to tools in the studio.

A fired urn-shaped black and white geometric vase on top of Dana Bechert's wheel in her studio surrounded by tools and vases waiting to be carved, glazed, and fired.

Artist Dana Bechert putting a clay bowl into a kiln in her studio. — Photo by Marisa Albrecht

My geometric work is all done freehand without the help of rulers or guides. I choose designs for each pattern intuitively as I work on each vase. The outside of the pots are left unglazed so the rhythmic texture of the carving can be seen and felt.
Dana Bechert