Paul Eshelmans developing artistic interests were directed along practical lines as he grew up in Iowa. He received a B.A. in art from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and an M.F.A. in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. Laurel received a B.S. in biology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Since 1988, Paul and Laurel have been living and making pottery in Elizabeth, a small farming community in northwestern Illinois. The clay body is a red stoneware; the glazes are all lead free. Clarity is given to simple forms by contrasting glazed and unglazed surfaces. Paul's pure clean glazes render elegant presentations of food and drink.
