Don Hanson

1943 Born Seattle, Washington

EDUCATION

1971 BS Art Education, 3D Design Concentration, Montana State University – Billings, Billings, Montana

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1964-1970 United States Army Reserve

1971— Professional Potter, Great Falls, Montana

1981-1983 Ceramics Instructor, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Great Falls, Montana

RESIDENCIES

1998 Visiting Artist, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington

2003 Resident Artist, Pottery Northwest, Seattle, Washington

BIOGRAPHY 

Don Hanson is known for functional and decorative ceramics. His work is designed by referencing historical pottery using timeless classical forms. Hanson creates using a variety of clays, and firing methods. He uses a variety of decorative techniques but has a focus on slip trailing. Work is glaze fired in both natural gas kilns (cone 11), and electric kilns (cone 8 – 10). His functional and decorative work span from sturdy earth toned stoneware to delicate translucent porcelain vivid in color. For the latter, Hanson is known for calligraphic markings using the slip trailing technique, notably on the interior of bowls.

Hanson, can be considered a regional potter as he sells his work within the region of his studio and kiln. Additionally, he sells his work in non-traditional venues such as regional airports with flights departing for unusual locations such as the North Pole or small Pacific Rim Nations, in display cases in office buildings, and at artist demonstrations at conventions for purchase by conventioneers.

His expertise as a ceramics technician, coupled with marketing skills, allows for a marriage of both creative and practical endeavors leaving his audience with fresh and inviting work from every making cycle.