Doug Lawrie

Doug Lawrie is known for slab-built functional stoneware ceramics high fired in wood-burning kiln. He took classes with Paul Soldener at Claremont. However, his major influence was his study and work during 26 years living in Japan where he studied with potter Kawai Kanjiro, one of the founders of Japan's folk art movement. Lawrie’s work is characterized by its rich, earthy finish. The surfaces were also finished with brush applied glaze creating abstract imagery. Oval bottle forms were a major part of his production. 

In 1969 visited Australia where Lawrie joined Les Blakebrough at Sturt Pottery in as a visiting artist. Lawrie exhibited his work at Macquarie Galleries in Sydney in 1970. At the invitation of the Australian Potters’ Society Lawrie returned to Australia from Japan in 1979. He returned to California in 1980 where he taught ceramics for two years before he became Director of the State Arts-in-Corrections program at Avenal State Prison.