Artist Statement:

Jean Burnett Ceramic Artist

I was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., and began limited instruction in clay during high school. I received a Bachelor of Science in Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. I began my education in clay in earnest in 1999 through a varied series of classes, workshops as well as hours upon hours pouring over books, magazines, and art shows

My work grows from a desire to explore the possibilities of artistic functionality. To bring grace and spirit to the ordinary routines of daily living. To create something useful from nothing and, at the same time, to inspire its user to experience its soul and vitality. Something born of the imagination.

I work primarily with white stoneware, thrown on the wheel, and usually altered in some way. I enjoy making marks in the moist clay with a variety of found and manufactured objects. Graceful lines and consideration for details and relationships are my goal when styling a foot, a rim, an impression. I like to see how light falls over and rests on the surfaces. I make 99% of my glazes from raw materials and have found the journey in developing an interesting and varied color palette a challenge.

My influences and some of those whose work I aspire to include Steven Hill, Nick Joerling, Jeff Oestreich, Ellen Shankin, Kathy Triplett, James Spiroff and Matt Long. My hope is that my work will, one day, inspire and move others as theirs have me.

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Awards

National Juried Shows