VALERIE SCOTT KNAUST is a people watcher with a lifelong fascination for people, their faces and bodies. Her sculpture captures not the outward features or expression, but emotions from within. "Oooh" is seen as the precursor to very intense emotion, either good or bad, but never dull. The lips pursed to say "Oooh" best reveals what she often sees in "others" faces. Intrigued by the human form, she creates torsos whose twists and turns speak an emotional language.
Her obsession for the medium of clay has brought her to the equally addictive glaze firing process called RAKU. The magic and attraction of RAKU are lodged in the fact that no two pieces are ever the same. Each finished piece is unique. The process demands acceptance of unknown and interpretive results. As Valerie’s work has grown she has developed an interest in the sculpting properties of porcelain. One of the most difficult clay mediums to handle, it has provided her ways in which to refine many of her techniques. Alternately, stoneware firing has entered her work with striking results and presents new paths to explore. The construction of a 72 cu ft gas kiln has provided new avenues for expansion.
Valerie considers herself to be a constant student of both her medium and her subjects. She has been coached to embrace the ease of her talent, allowing the clay to yield to her abilities. She has studied with many of our nations ceramic masters. Leaders such as: Rudy Autio, Paulos Berensohn, Robert Hodgell, Robert Piepenberg, Harvey Sadow, Paul Soldner, and Peter Voulkos, and lesser known legends, Leslie Ann Chanove, Stan Cowen, Russ Gustafson Hilton, Jack Leister, Steve Louckes, and Charlie Parker.
Throughout the years Valerie’s work has focused on several recurring themes. They are: "Computer Generated Art", "Relationship Series" - (torsos), "Ethereal Images", "The Sentry’s", "Totems" - (faces), "Dressing or Undressing", "Women Within", and "Vessels for Emotional Baggage". Her most recent series, "New Age Gargoyles" poses as silent satirical observers.
Her sculptural work is owned in many private and corporate collections internationally and locally. Strictly original each sculpture is as unique as the collector.
www.empyrean.net/vskclay