Charlie Olson

My interest in ceramics began in Rochester, Minnesota in the fall of 1967 when my high school

art teacher encouraged me to use my study hall time in the ceramics studio. After a few sessions I

felt an undeniable connection with the material and the process. Six months later I sold my stereo

system to a friend and headed to Minneapolis to buy a brand new Shimpo RK2 potter’s wheel at

Minnesota Clay for $230.00.

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Throughout my undergraduate studies at Mankato State University my primary focus was

making pottery. During that time my professor introduced me to glaze research. His knowledge

and inspiration set me on what is now a life long investigation of glaze chemistry.

In the fall of 1977 I started my teaching career at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. As it

turned out it would be my only teaching job. I spent the next 35 years working with outstanding

faculty and students, retiring in 2012.

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After retiring from teaching I made a conscious decision to return to my roots and devote my

creative endeavors solely to making pottery. Glaze research is still a very important part of my

studio routine, as is the development of forms that speak of peacefulness.