Natasha Downs

Natasha E. Downs To see a larger image of the painting, just "click" on the painting!
"Here I Am" 13", $175 "Emissary" 12", $175 "Protector" 12", $175
"Hearing a Calm Quiet Stillness" clay with underglazes, 32" tall, $2000. The figure is contained, solid power in harmony with life and the universe (ahem!). There are lots of symbols: the spiral representing the growth pattern of life, infinity, etc. found in many cultures. The rock-like base is like #2 - earth, water, layers. These stoneware pieces were painted with underglazes which was then rubbed off, leaving color only in the crevices.	Front Side
*Close-up of face* "Wake Up Every Morning with The Idea That Something Wonderful is About to Happen" clay with underglazes, 35" tall, $2000 A joyful figure in a thankful pose. There is lots of "surface information" with the most distinctive parts in the heart area. The base represents the solid timeless foundation of all life - rocks, water, layer upon layer. The long lines can be read as time's arrows, the flightpath of thoughts, or the buzzing round of insects!
"The Messenger Bringing Good News" Clay with underglazes, 40" tall $2500 This figure is bursting with energy and contained joy. The incised markings and stamped symbols represent the harmony and mystery between the natural world and our conscious (or spiritual) selves. Like most of my work, there are elements of geology, water, and humankind represented. The sculpture was built in several pieces to accommodate the kiln size. The stone ware was painted with ceramic underglazes and fired to maturity.
"Earth Record" Clay 20" x 8" x 4" $550	"Walk in the Garden" Clay 18" x 10" $1000
"Hill Country Grasses" 4 work collection, Clay 10" X 8" These four pieces are sold as a collection of four $2,500.00
"Life's Desserts: The Bridesmaids" White clay on walnut base 14" x 8" x 18" $2000	"Life's Desserts: Longlegged Boy with his Puppy" White clay on walnut base 9" x 9" x 19" $2000


Natasha E. Downs Exposure to changing landscapes and the stimulation of exotic cultures has heavily influenced Natasha's work. Her ceramic sculpture is a combination of different handbuilding techniques in both low-fire and high-fire clays. She makes her own stoneware glazes and uses a variety of slips, underglazes and lusters, multi-fired in oxidation, to achieve complex surface textures. Clay is a very difficult medium. It is responsive, yet demands the utmost concentration and planning. It is too unpredictable to be mastered. Why does Natasha like working with clay? First, is that it is made up of this earth, is linked to the planet's geology and the passage of time. Yet it is immediate and responsive to human touch. Second, she love's it!