The pieces shown in this slide show are an overview of my 56 year career in ceramics.
UPDATE!!
My interview with Paul Blais of "The Potterscast" is now live and available
https://traffic.libsyn.com/.../Episode_964_Jonathan...
Additionally,
my interview on “Tales of The Red Clay Rambler” is now live and available at
https://www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/episodes/504-jonathan-kaplan-on-investing-in-yourself
I have been FORTUNATE to work in the ceramics field for 56 years as a studio POTTER, ceramic artist, mold and model maker,designer, educator and author. It would have been impossible to sustain this Lengthy and satisfying career if it were not for my Family, teachers, friends, and mentors who guided me with their experience, encouragement, and wisdom throughout my education. I am also indebted to the many students and colleagues who continue to inspire and challenge me.
I MAKE A VARIETY OF CERAMIC OBJECTS THAT CELEBRATE BOTH FORM AND SURFACE. I AM NOT BOUND BY ANY CONSTRAINT IN METHOD OR MATERIAL, NOR AM I BOUND BY ANY STRICT ADHERENCE TO UTILITY. I USE MANY WAYS TO CREATE WORK; EITHER ASSISTED IN SOME WAY BY A METHOD OR PROCEDURE SUCH AS SLIP CASTING, OR UNASSISTED, USING THROWING OR HAND BUILDING. I HAVE A VERY DEEP VOCABULARY OF Tool and TECHNIQUE THAT ALLOW MY IMAGINATION TO RUN UNBOUND BY PRECONCEPTION OR HISTORICAL IMPERATIVE.
MAJOR INFLUENCES UPON MY WORK ARE ARCHITECTURE AND GEOMETRY. THE MAJORITY OF MY CERAMICS CAN BE VIEWED AS VESSEL centric AND ALL DEAL WITH IDEAS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTAINMENT. STRICT UTILITY OR FUNCTION MAY ONLY BE A REFERENCE DERIVED FROM A SPECIFIC SHAPE OR FORM. SOMETIMES I ALSO INTEGRATE INDUSTRIAL PARTS AND FITTINGS TO CREATE A VISUAL DIALOG BETWEEN WORK THAT EVIDENCES THE HANDMADE AND MANUFACTURED PARTS.
I HAVE MADE A DIVERSE BODY OF WORK FOR MOST OF MY CAREER and AM DRIVEN TO MAKE OBJECTS THAT ARE BOTH HIGHLY DESIGNED AND IMPECCABLY CRAFTED. I LOOK IN AWE AT THE SYMMETRIES OF CULTURE AND AM HUMBLED BY WHAT REMAINS AS HISTORICAL EVIDENCE IN CERAMICS. WITH AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THAT DEEP HISTORY OF CERAMICS, I ENDEAVOR TO MAKE CHOICES IN MY WORK THAT WILL CONTINUE TO ENGAGE AND INTEREST ME AS WELL AS OTHERS. I CONSTANTLY REINVENT MY WORK BY CHALLENGING MYSELF, and AM HONORED TO BE A PART OF THIS CONTINUUM. MY STUDIO PRACTICE HAS EVOLVED OVER MANY YEARS AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS INCLUDE OTHERS WITH ME ON THIS JOURNEY.
My book, The Mold-Making Manual:The Art of Models,Molds, and Slip - Cast Ceramics is available at
https://mycan.ceramicartsnetwork.org/s/product-details?id=a1BUe0000004qxhMAA