Larry Halvorsen constructs his pieces using a combination of handbuilding techniques including coils, press and slump molds and slab building. All the pieces are coated with black slip, and then using the ancient technique of sgraffito, he carves back through the slip exposing the natural clay beneath.

Ancient stone tools, ritual objects, shields and forms from nature are the inspirations for sculptures and sculptural objects. He has recently been exploring work for the wall, totems, and footed containers. The carving on all pieces, both sculptural and functional, is the result of a life long exploration of line and pattern.

Techniques

Stoneware: Grey to buff colored, non-translucent clay body which matures between
cones 06 and 10.

Clay:
1) Fine-grained earth materials formed by the decomposition of igneous rock; when combined with water, clay is plastic enough to be shaped; when dry, it is strong; when subjected to red heat or above, it will become progressively more dense and rock-like.

2) A compound of decomposed and altered feldspathic rock consisting of various hydrated silicates of aluminum along with non-plastics, such as quartz, and organic matter. It is also used as a source of alumina and silica in glazes.

Hand-building: Assembled by hand. Finished object may include wheel-thrown, cast, coiled and/or slab elements.

Coiling: Building the walls of pottery with rope-like coils of clay, then smoothing the joints.

Slab building: Ceramic ware formed from flat pieces of clay or 'slabs'.

Slip: A suspension of clay or glaze materials in water.

Sgraffito: A decorative process. A line is scratched through a layer of slip or glaze before firing to expose the clay underneath. From the Italian, meaning literally
"scratched out".

Fired: 1)Heating the kiln to the required temperature for clay or glaze, at least 1300 Fahrenheit; most enamel-on copper melts from 1300 to 1600 Fahrenheit; most clay and glaze matures between 2000 and 2300 Fahrenheit.

2) Bonfiring in a pit or on the ground

Kiln: Furnace for firing clay, slumping glass, or melting enamels; studio kilns can achieve temperatures up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit depending on their construction materials; they can be fueled carbonaceously, organically, or electronically.

Pottery: A loosely-used term meaning 'earthenware' or any clay piece that has been fired.