About

Adam Field’s fascination
with antique pottery and its
ability to speak of the mastery
of lost peoples, places and
cultures, has inspired him to
create works that both radiate
history and capture his own
place and time. Raised in the
West and having a deep affin-
ity for the East, his art has
evolved in two unique direc-
tions, each conveying, in differ-
ent ways, his passion for antiq-
uity and the natural world.

His classical pottery springs
from traditional materials and
an Asian aesthetic. “I begin with
the highest-quality, translucent
porcelain, shape it on the pot-
ter’s wheel, then meticulously
carve the surface with intricate
designs that borrow from na-
ture and incorporate the
human touch. Much of my
work is informed by the pattern
languages found in indigenous
fiber art, such as Hawaiian tapa,
Incan cordage and Zulu bas-
ketry.” Before the final firing,
Adam applies his own varia-
tions of celadon and other Ko-
rean and Chinese glazes, letting
the colors flow into the grooves
to accentuate the carvings.

In contrast, Adams stone-
ware embodies an organic
flow that is very sensual and
more serendipitous in cre-
ation. “Before electric and
propane kilns, people fired
with wood. I’ve built on that
age-old tradition by mixing
kiawe ash with water, then
applying it to the vessel as a
glaze. When it’s kiln-fired at
2,400 degrees, the wood ash
runs, glazing the piece, cre-
ating unpredictable patterns
and textures. I like having
the surprise that awaits with
each firing”

A native of Colorado, Adam Field earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Fort Lewis College. For two years, he immersed himself in his pottery in the culturally rich art scene of San Francisco—and there met his wife, artist Heesoo Lee. Since moving to Maui in 2002, Adam has worked as a studio potter and ceramics instructor.