David Smith
Artist Statement
My work in ceramics focuses on the creation of wood-fired vessels and sculpture. For over thirty years I have developed my expertise in the art of wood-firing. My personal kiln, the Kegonsa Anagama, offers a diverse range of surface qualities when fired for a period of 5-7 days. Goals vary with this kiln from producing complex firebox surfaces that compliment my sculptural works to creating subtle patinas on a range of functional vessels. I often apply layers of slip and glaze to my pieces to broaden the palette of the natural ash glaze. My vessels and sculpture serve as canvases for the rich textural qualities offered by this process.
Since 1978, my passion for wood-fired ceramics has allowed me to travel and work with a broad range of artists. I have worked extensively in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Montana, Arizona, Florida and Wisconsin. My personal experiences with American Masters Peter Voulkos, Peter Callas, Rudy Autio, and Don Reitz have been influential in countless ways. In 2005, I had the opportunity to meet and work with a number of important Korean and Japanese artists at the 3rdWorld Bienalle in Yeoju, Korea. This was a transformative experience and since that time I have had the opportunity to exhibit my work in Japan and China. For decades I have created ceramic art that reflects East Asian methods and aesthetics while maintaining a sensibility that is undeniably Western. I have always been intrigued by this cross-pollination.