Calling all music lovers! We have a special treat for you, Steve Hansen just sent us a collection of handcrafted mugs with your favorite bands. Not only are you buying a mug, you're getting a story along with it. Each piece Steve Hansen makes is one of a kind. Keep reading to learn more about Hansen and his work!
The Artist
Steve Hansen is a potter living in Wisconsin. His work reflects his interest in the rural
aesthetics of the rustbelt. Having lived in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, New York, and
Oklahoma, the surfaces he loves to emulate in his work reflect those weathered by ice,
wind, and sun. Holes in barn walls repaired with 70-year-old license plates, or tin beer
cans full of rusted nails are visual inspirations. Having taught studio art, and art history
for 30 years, his interests also extend to cultural history. As a child of the 1970’s there is
a strong thread of nostalgia running through his work as well. Steve loves the idea that
his work will be used and bring a bit of joy to the user.
Steve is also an amateur musician, having played in bar bands most of his life. He
possesses a deep love for the music that formed the soundtrack of his childhood, youth,
and young adulthood. With the music series, he attempts to meld the nostalgia of
weathered surfaces, like well-worn vinyl album sleeves, with the lyrics and bands to
facilitate a moment of enjoyable reflection in the morning coffee or tea routine.
The Process
Every batch of mugs begins the same way, a bin full of 1.4 pound balls of clay, and an afternoon on the potters wheel. He then assembles each mug, adding the handles and any extra details. After these are fired in the kiln, now is the time for the underglaze. Creating these pieces might seem monotonous to some people, but to Hansen he says "I find repetitive tasks satisfying. It’s easy to lose track of time, and simply exist in the moment."
After the underglaze is set, he moves on to the first layer of painting. Adding yellow ochre stain/wash. Then, a selective application of wood ash. This group is now ready to feel the heat!
The Decals
This is the major part in creating a Steve Hansen mug. The decals turn it from just another mug into a one of a kind work of art. Each decal is meticulously chosen and placed by Hansen. He loves how painting two or three colors of underglaze beneath the decal produces the look of a layered, old school offset printer.
If you have a request for one of your favorite bands on a mug, don't hesitate to reach out! Hansen can find your favorite bands and turn them into your everyday morning coffee mug!
We are so happy to have Steve Hansen as one of the artists in our shop. Make sure to browse his collection here and feel free to reach out if you have a request for a mug!
Talk soon,
McKenna
