By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how’d you end up in eastern North Carolina?
Chris and I moved here over 20 years ago from Folsom California to buy the Art &Materials store that used to be on Middle Street. Later, we changed the name to Bear Hands Art Factory. That’s where I started in pottery, with Jim Bisbee as my teacher. Chris also learned to work in clay, and we frequently collaborate on projects.
Do you have any formal training as an artist, or are you self-taught, or a combination of both?
Formal training? Well, I didn’t go to university to get an MFA, but I have attended many workshops with people like Ben Owen III, Cynthia Bringle, Ron Philbeck and other talented artists and presenters at conferences like NCECA. I also took private lessons with Elizabeth Priddy, who taught me some great teaching techniques, as well as having mentors like Paul Miotke, a local here, who taught me how to make my own glazes. So, yeah, no degree, but lot’s of training and even more practice!
You work in ceramics, what is it about that medium that appeals to you?
I think ceramics appealed to my practical nature at first. I felt like paintings on the wall were pretty, but making stuff you could actually use in real life seemed a more useful pursuit. Now Ive been at it a while, I’m getting more and more artistic. I love how clay has infinite possibilities, there is literally no end to the ways in which you can glaze, embellish, decorate, carve and fire it. I can never get bored, I will always have something new to try!
Does your work have a central theme, or several themes?
My work has no central theme! I keep exploring, moving from one interest to the other, trying new ideas and pushing myself to make better forms, more expressive surfaces and different styles. My only limit, really, is my electric kilns. I can’t do wood or gas firings, which definitely give you a very interesting surface.
You teach through your studio, Bear Hands Art. What relationship do you see between your personal studio practice and your teaching?
My studio practice is very much affected by my teaching. I can’t believe how many ideas and inspirations I get from talking to students and working on projects with them. If someone comes in with an idea they want to make, we go for it and learn together. I also feel that I understand my art better by teaching it to adults and children.
Who is another artist whose work you admire or inspires you?
There are so many artists I admire, not just potters, but in all mediums. I follow some potters on social media, like Florian Gadsby, who is internationally known, but also locally known people in Seagrove like Bruce Gholson, who makes such a perfect coffee mug. I have a collection at home of pottery from all over the place, I can’t name them all and I love how different each one is.
What advice do you have for people wanting to get into the arts or just starting out?
Advice for people who want to become potters, I think, would be to look at beautiful pottery carefully, take as many classes as you can, and be self critical. Every time I unload the kiln, I look for areas to improve. I am always looking at others’ works and taking note of what I like about it. I think the most important thing to learn first is getting your forms established. Don’t worry too much about making your own glazes, or doing wood firing or raku. If your forms are bad, nothing is good.
What piece, award, or exhibition are you particularly proud of, and why?
I haven’t had my work in many exhibitions really. I spend a lot of time getting wholesale orders, teaching and running the business aspect of it. I really should apply to some shows, so I will have something to hang on my wall! I am very proud of being in the John C Campbell Folk School’s craft shop. I am working on another order from them now.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
The first meaning of art is skill: that is something that is executed or created with knowledge and intent that is the result of long practice or natural talent and also evokes a response, such as delight, appreciation, admiration, or thoughtful consideration. Art is hard to explain in one sentence!
I know you have work at the Tryon Palace Museum Store, and are a supporter of Empty Bowls New Bern, but where else can people find your work? (feel free to promote your social media, galleries, website, etc.)
I also have work at the Made in NC store which just moved to the old Wells Fargo building on Middle Street, near the Farmers’ Market, and Ross Sinfield’s candle shop on Craven Street, New Bern Candle and Soap Company.