Michael Saul

Michael Saul

Michael Saul relocated to San Antonio from Fort Worth in 1974, in order to attend school at the Southwest Craft Center.  There he studied under four masters until 1979, when he left to open his own studio and gallery, Michael Saul Pottery.

Michael's work has primarily been with high-fired porcelain, producing functional as well as decorative ceramics.  His use of six to ten overlapping glazes gives each pieces dimension and surface depth, forming a collage of colors and textures when fired together.  All glazes and slips are non-toxic and lead-free.

 Free flowing brush strokes are Michae's trademark, and they dominate each piece.  The slab and thrown forms are purposefully simplistic, and yet they do not compete with the exterior decoration.  Each piece is handmade.  The slab-built and wheel-thrown forms are brought into being by the combination of a sensitive hand and an eye for the dramatic.

Experimentation with glazes has thrust Michael Saul into a wide palette of both colors and textures in which to embrace his pottery.  Each piece must be handled at least 18 times and kiln-fired for 24 hours at a peak temperature of 2400 degrees.  These piece are tested by the fire and only the best survive.

Michael Saul's personal quest for integrity of design and unique glazing style has provided the exposure of his work to many collectors within the United States.  In 1991, he had the honor of exhibiting his work in three different one-man shows in Tokyo, and also hosted a one-man show the very next year in San Antonio's sister city of Kumamoto, Japan.  It was a great honor and privilege to exhibit his work in the birthplace of ceramics.

A sample of some of Michael's work can be seen here