Artist Statement
My ceramic work is rooted in high-fired, gas-reduction stoneware and combines wheel-thrown and handbuilt techniques. Through a process of deconstructing and reconstructing forms, I create vessels and functional objects that incorporate architectural elements, engineered structures, and geometric design.
Drawing inspiration from vintage industrial artifacts, machinery, and utilitarian traditions, I create functional wares that balance strength, precision, and purpose. The surfaces are developed through multiple glazing processes, including the use of high-magnesium glazes, to produce layered textures and complex visual depth. These atmospheric firings enhance the richness of the clay and glaze, allowing subtle variations to emerge during the kiln process.
My work seeks to evoke a timeless aesthetic that honors the past while embracing a contemporary sensibility. I am interested in the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, where functional pottery becomes a vehicle for artistic expression. Clean geometry, structural details, and tactile surfaces work together to create pieces that are both visually compelling and highly usable.
Ultimately, I strive to make objects that enrich everyday life—work that invites interaction, rewards close observation, and fosters a connection between utility, craftsmanship, and art. Through this balance of form and function, my ceramics are intended to engage users on both practical and aesthetic levels.
Artist Bio
Tony began his career as a production potter, an experience that continues to shape his approach to ceramics through an emphasis on craftsmanship, efficiency, and the relationship between form and function. After earning his MFA, he devoted nearly twenty-five years to teaching as a full-time professor, mentoring emerging artists while continuing to develop his own studio practice. He has also led numerous workshops through his home studio and community art centers, finding great fulfillment in sharing the knowledge and traditions passed on by his mentors, as well as the lessons learned through decades of making.
Tony’s work is exhibited at leading national art fairs and exhibitions throughout the United States. His ceramics are rooted in functionality and influenced by industrial objects, machinery, and architectural forms. Clean lines, structural balance, and thoughtful design define his work, resulting in pieces that are both purposeful and visually engaging. Through his studio practice and teaching, Tony remains committed to exploring the possibilities of clay and sharing that passion with others.
Today, he considers himself fortunate to continue doing what he loves—creating meaningful work and contributing to the ceramic community through both making and teaching. His hope is to carry this passion forward for many years to come.
