Ceramics

In the late 1960’s while Bob was studying in Dodge City, KS, he heard about Dan Trent. Dan was an excellent potter back home from the Vietnam War, using his love for the potter’s wheel as a form of therapy.

Fast forward to the late 80’s when Dan walked into Bob’s shop at 1405 Massachusetts Street carrying a handful of small plates perfect for candles. For over 25 years Dan spent time in his El Dorado, KS, studio throwing piece after piece, creating what turned into quite the extensive handmade ceramics line for Waxman Candles. The line eventually included many styles of votive cups, uniquely crafted incense holders, beautifully glazed planters and so much more. Dan lovingly created pieces until 2014 when health issues prevented him from continuing production style work.

With Dan’s blessing, Bob turned to the KU ceramics department in search of anyone interested in assisting him in getting a studio set up so candle accessories could be designed and produced on site. In 2016, with the knowledge and support of Antonio Martinez, a KU ceramics graduate and TA, Waxman Ceramics was born. With Antonio free for the summer he gave Bob a crash course on some of the many ceramic processes that could potentially be used from press-molding, throwing on the wheel and slip-casting. It was decided that slip-casting, a technique in which liquid clay is poured into a plaster mold, was the ideal way to create high quality commercial looking pieces in large numbers. At this point, Antonio introduced Bob to Chris Burke, who was well versed in making plaster molds. During his KU career Chris gained knowledge working as a ceramic technician’s assistant along with spending a 2012 semester in South Korea learning the art of mold making. Upon graduating in 2014 he spent time in Louisiana working in ceramics until his return to Lawrence in 2016. He started working at Bracker’s Good Earth Clays growing his experience with glaze making, industrial style molds and architectural ceramic design.

With the expertise knowledge and support of Chris Burke, Waxman Ceramics has created an extensive line of press molded, thrown and hand sculpted pieces that are plaster molded to produce slip cast pieces. Our line has grown from functional candle accessories to include quality dinnerware, superb bakeware, and unique housewares. The ceramic maker’s mark varies depending on size and type of piece but both the Aladdin’s lamp and Waxman are valid. Ceramic materials are sourced locally from Bracker’s Good Earth Clays.