Satian Leksrisawat, Brooks, KY

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Satian Leksrisawat is a native of Thailand and of Chinese descent. He received a BA in Political Science and Fine Arts from Eastern Kentucky University and his MA in Studio Art- Ceramics from Murray State University in Kentucky.

At his pottery studio in Brooks, KY, Satian produces a line of highly decorative yet functional porcelains finished with crystalline glazes. Crystalline glazes are a specific blend of refractory chemicals that are usually high in zinc oxide. These chemically calibrated glazes form crystals within the molten glaze surface and the colors come from different mineral oxides. To achieve the beautiful floating glaze crystals, the fired forms must be carefully cooled – the kiln temperature must be gradually and slowly lowered during the final cooling of the kiln to preserve these beautiful crystals.

Crystalline glazes are so fluid at the peak melting temperature in the kiln, that they sheet right off the bottom of the forms. To deal with this, Satian has devised cups which he places underneath each bottom to catch the overflow of glaze. When completely cooled, these frozen drips and strings of solid glaze are then carefully ground off to create a smooth finished bottom. Although Satian has been experimenting with this type of glaze for more than 15 years, he still considers it a challenge.

Satian has won numerous awards for his work including Best of Show at Las Olas Craft Fair in Florida, Best of Show at Summer Fair in Cincinnati, and the Purchase Award by Ceramics Monthly at WinterFair held in Columbus, Ohio.

Satian’s work can be found at various craft shows, at the Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft in Louisville, KY; and at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, KY.