Kelly Donaldson and Pamela Lane Donaldson have been working together since the early 70's. Their original work was high-fired, gas reduction, mostly functional ware. Most of their work were collaborations with Kelly throwing pieces on the wheel which Pam decorated/altered with painted glazes, relief carving, and sculptural elements. All pieces, including dinnerware, were one of a kind. They have never considered themselves production potters.
The early '80's took them to Bend, OR, where circumstances conspired to turn them to raku as a primary firing technique. Freed from the need to be functional, their work went in a different direction. At first most pieces were collaborations, then Pamela began supplementing the repertoire with hand-built sculptural work--mostly wall hung--much of which was informed by her interest in the human figure.
Then there was a break for some years while Kelly built golf courses and Pam sold paintings in galleries as they were moving around with no place for clay.
Since moving to Dundee, Oregon in 2014, they are back to clay again. Events have again come together to take their art in a new direction. They were able to design and build a dedicated studio--with a roof full of solar panels, which meant that instead of just bisquing pots in electric kilns they have also been firing the glazed work in them. Most work today is cone 6 stoneware, oxidation, with an occasional raku and pit fired piece for good measure.
The other big change is that Kelly is not only making some functional ware again (cups, tumblers, goblets, bowls) but is adding his own intricate and unique surface decoration. Examples are his "Imaginaria" series and the cups with individual pictures on them.
Much of the work is still collaborative--Kelly throwing, Pam altering, decorating. The "Alice" series is a bright and fun example of that. However, Pam's handbuilt work is increasing, like the three legged bowls, larger vessels, and wall pieces.
Kelly's functional stoneware work is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Larger decorative vessels can usually hold water for flowers, etc.
