Mike Sebanc

Mike Sebanc - October 2018 Featured Artist

Mike Sebac (born 1979) has an unusual ceramic story. Many artists have a passion for their creations, but Sebanc has had a real need to work with clay his entire life. As a child, the artist underwent harsh treatments to cure Leukemia, which left him with a cognitive disability. Playing with play dough became a favorite past time. Through this activity, he discovered the joy of working with his hands, as well as a way to practice and sharpen his fine motor skills. It was something he was good at, and he took pride in expanding his artistic horizons. Before his mother passed away, Sebanc would often accompany her to art fairs, at which she sold cards with pressed flowers that she created. These long blocks of time with his mother are some of his favorite memories, and is the reason he enjoys being part of art festivals to this day. He credits her for his creative bug, which all of his siblings have as well!

After graduating, Sebanc spent years trying his best to continue his artistic practice. A kind teacher let him use his old high school’s pottery classroom; of which he took full advantage. Finding housing became a top priority for Sebanc and his family, with the idea that he would flourish if he lived in or near a big city. Public transportation and easy access to art studios is what kept their focus on finding the perfect place for him. Finally, in 2002 he was granted his own apartment in Milwaukee. Since this time, the artist’s independence has blossomed. A move to the Chicago area in 2009 motivated him even more creatively. The Lillstreet Art Center was home to him for a few good years, and really helped him take the next step in his work. He found a mentor there who taught him ceramic techniques, which he still favors to this day. Marbling is at the top of his list, which includes folding and rolling two or more clay bodies together and using them to slab-build cups and bowls. The results are stunning and look very sophisticated. The bubble technique was also picked up from his mentor. After his piece is bisque fired, he covers it in colored bubbles made with stains and soap. A dish of the liquid is placed near the piece, and bubbles flood (and dry on) it after using a straw to create them. Sebanc’s pieces also feature the outlines of seasonal leaves pressed into the surface of his clay. These techniques have served him well, and keep him interested in life and dedicated to his craft.

Sebanc joined Lincoln Square Pottery Studio – Learning Center two years ago and has continued to make beautiful utilitarian pieces that are often featured on the studio’s “Wall of Flame” (which shows off the best work each week). His work can also be seen and bought on his artist shelf, which is up all year around. Ultimately, Sebanc would love to be able to make his primary income from his creations, but until then you’ll find him at the studio, deeply concentrating on the work of art in front of him…