I see my work as the opposite of my 40-year career in the family printing business, where everything had to be precise and meet customer standards. With my pottery, I take a more relaxed approach. I enjoy exploring new shapes, colors, finishes, and glaze effects. Right now, I’m particularly focused on experimenting with crystalline glazes. The simple forms I use give me room to play, as the glazes move and interact in different ways. My pieces also reflect the quiet time I spend alone in the studio, focused on making, glazing, and firing without distractions. Most of my work is thrown, altered, and glaze-fired to over 2300 degrees in different atmospheres. After teaching ceramics for ten years at a private university in southeast Michigan, I retired and now work from my home studio. Check out my shows and events page for more information!

Please email Dennis at dennis.swartzlander@gmail.com for any inquiries or find him on Instagram @d.swartzlander

All photos on this site were taken by Dennis Swartzlander.

Site was designed by Graphic Designer & Potter, Elaine Nesom. Visit elainenesom.com