Loren Scherbak Woodfire Ceramics – Main Website
I have had a love of clay since attending high school in Maryland. I earned a BFA in printmaking and ceramics in 1979 from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. I have been making and showing ceramics for more than 45 years.
I am committed to minimizing my environmental footprint by reducing my use of harmful chemicals. I use local clays and wood, iron oxide as the colorant, and an energy-efficient wood-fueled kiln to create my surfaces, colors, and textures. The scale and intimacy of my forms, my use of local flora directly as tools for drawing, and my printmaking sensibility, communicate my love of nature and its enduring strength opposing the suburban development conspiring against it.
Shop Policies
Thank you for your interest in my work. All of my pottery is food-, microwave-, dishwasher- and, for the most part, oven-safe. My ceramic work is made to last and fired at a very high temperature, 2,300 degrees F., but I advise taking care nevertheless. Do not take ceramics from the refrigerator or freezer and expose it to oven heat or microwaving without bringing it to room temperature first. Do not put it over an open flame. I do not recommend microwaving plates. The possibility for cracking because of uneven heating is too great.
My woodfired ceramic surfaces have an intrinsic warmth and beautiful complexities that take work and time to develop. They are exposed to the harsh environment of high temperatures, caustic interactions with flames, ash, and an oxygen-starved atmosphere. These visceral records of the firing process are what make each object unique and special.
I make work that celebrates these surfaces while balancing the functional requirements of each object. I carefully test each piece with boiling water, and look for chips, cracks, and other possible defects before selling it. If you find a crack or chip within a reasonable period of time (e.g., a month) after purchasing, and it isn’t due to misuse, please contact me and I will refund or replace the piece.
All sales are final. Exchanges are accepted, but you incur any postal costs. If you receive an item broken during shipping, please contact me, as all shipments are insured. Shipping costs are based on the weight and size of the box and the insurance cost is calculated on the value of your purchase. I generally ship using USPS Priority Mail or an alternative service if you request it. Shipping charges may require a separate invoice after your order is packed if your order contains multiple items or the box is not a standard size. I live in a Maryland suburb of Washington DC. If you want to pick up your order and save shipping charges, we can arrange a time for you to safely come to my studio and home in Rockville, Maryland.
Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or requests. Please use the contact form at https://claymaven.com/contact/