I think it’s sometimes weird how my attraction to different ceramic styles develops. Some seem to be obvious aesthetics for me to be drawn to and others are sometimes quite far removed from my own working aesthetic that they are almost another language, yet I still find I can acquire inspiration from the whole spectrum of varied styles and processes which make ceramics so unique. I thought this week I’d spend a bit of time introducing some work that I’ve recently fallen in love with, have been inspired by for a while or have had in the back of my mind for years now.

This first artist I just recently discovered via the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition’s website which has a great database of participating artists from the last few years. Frederique Bonmatin’s work stood out to me because of the crisp colors and dramatic geometric lines. He’s a potter from Montreal and although his website is in french it’s easy enough to find the gallery section and he does correspond in english if you’re interested in further info about the work.

His work also reminds me of the work of Ettore Sottsass whose work I’ve found inspirational since discovering a book on his work at a small used book store in London in 1999. I’m particularly drawn to his Tantra Ceramics from about 1969 which have had an obvious influence on my latest series of functional stoneware. Here’s another website with info and images.

Another artist I came across via the TOAE website is Danny Choi. I just love these “Torso Flasks”

These pieces were developed while Danny was a student at Sheridan and are thrown and altered, creating a beautiful movement with the clay that shows the sensibility of the artist. Here are a few more pieces of Danny’s which I find captivating.

I find in my own work I lean towards the more geometric structured aesthetic as the graceful movement of pliable soft clay often alludes me and when I do try it looks overworked and contrived. Yet from the boldness of colors to the subtlety of traditional celadons and copper glazes, from the drama of geometry and architecture inspired forms to the material properties playing centre stage, I just can’t get enough. It’s all just so darn inspiring!