My name is Anna Szafranski and I’m a ceramic artist in Midland, Michigan. I graduated from Central Michigan University in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. Growing up art was always more of a hobby, and I never thought it would become a passion, or that it would someday be something I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. 

While working towards a degree in graphic design, I unexpectedly stumbled into the amazing world of ceramics, and I’ve officially had my hands in clay for about 12 years. The moment after my first attempt at throwing a pot on the pottery wheel I knew I was hooked. The initial struggle it presented challenged and pushed me in a direction I never saw coming, and there was no going back. It is clay’s versatility that continues to attract me because of all the possibilities that it possesses, but I’m most interested in making utilitarian pieces that function in our daily life. I enjoy making objects that can be held, touched, used and enjoyed. I’m intrigued with how the different forms and shapes function in a variety of ways and how those factors alter peoples’ interaction, or reaction, to them.

Over the course of 12 years my work has changed, evolved, and changed again. The pottery wheel is my go-to technique, but most of my work has both wheel thrown and hand-built elements. My current work is a mix of simple, clean, and modern, with a few rustic elements. The surface is created by transferring the color from a piece of newspaper onto the piece (like a temporary tattoo). Texture is added to specific areas, and a black wash is applied and then wiped away to give the piece that rustic finish.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me and for supporting my journey. A big thank you to Live Oak Coffeehouse for giving me the opportunity to display my work.