Mike Perham

I’ve worked with clay for over two decades, drawn to the evolving dialogue between tradition and contemporary form. My sculptures explore the tension between solid form and negative space, often blurring the lines between vessel and sculpture, function and abstraction.

Rooted in the tactile traditions of pottery, my practice embraces both craftsmanship and curiosity. Each piece is built with intention, yet open to discovery—shaped by both hand and fire. I work primarily with wood-firing, a process that invites unpredictability and rewards patience. The kiln’s atmosphere leaves its mark in flashing, ash deposits, and surface variation, creating a kind of collaboration between artist and flame.

My work is about more than objects—it’s about presence, balance, and the quiet energy that can live in a form. I hope my pieces invite reflection and challenge traditional boundaries of ceramic expression.