About Tony:
I was born in Saint Louis, Missouri. After living in Connecticut and Chicago, I returned to STL. I have been creating ceramic art for over thirty years, fulfilling my lifelong dream of working with clay every day. I feel incredibly fortunate to have made it this far in my journey. For almost twenty of those years, I have taught ceramics, and I truly enjoy sharing the knowledge I have gained from my mentors. My hope is to continue this passion both in the work I create and in the teachings I still have to offer.
Calendar of Events:
First Online Sale: Nov 22nd, 1 pm Central
Final Fontbonne University Pottery Sale Dec 6th, 9 am - 7 pm, Dec 7th, 10 am - 2 pm
Studio Open House May 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Artist Statement
My ceramic work is a high-fired gas-reduced stoneware using a combination of wheel-thrown and hand-building techniques. I deconstruct and reconstruct the pieces to assemble constructive elements and engineered structures.
I create functional wares that embody geometric forms and vintage industrial traditions. I use a high-magnesium glaze and multiple glazing processes to produce intricate textures. My aim is to evoke a timeless aesthetic that connects with the past while also embracing a contemporary sensibility. My work pays tribute to craftsmanship and creativity, blending traditional pottery techniques with modern design. I focus on both visually captivating and eminently useful pieces, creating a balance between form and function. Their function is to offer engagement with art on both a practical and aesthetic level.
I began my artistic journey in high school, where clay became an outlet for me, along with large sculptures and charcoal and pastel drawings. I pursued my education at Fontbonne University in Saint Louis, MO, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, followed by a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 2004. During those years, I spent my time away from college working as a production potter at Silver Dollar City in Branson MO. I had the opportunity to work on stage, learning to throw pottery and striving to create products for the storefront.
Through the guidance of my mentors, my skills developed to the point where I could begin teaching fine arts and my craft at local schools and community centers. Since 2005, I have been fortunate to share my skills with others. After college, I held various jobs while continuing my artwork. Over time, I became self-supportive by selling my work at different art fairs and exhibitions across the country. I also dedicated time to teaching at several community colleges in Saint Louis and Southern Illinois.
In 2016, I was honored to be hired at my alma mater, Fontbonne University, where I worked alongside some of the instructors who had guided me in the past. Most importantly, honorably replacing my professor and dear friend who had taught me so much. During my time there, I taught more sculpture and lecture classes in the art department and served as gallery director, curating many exhibitions over the years.
As of 2024, the fine arts department, and eventually the entire Fontbonne University, will close. My wife, Gena, and I decided to remain in Saint Louis and continue pursuing my passion for creating in clay and teaching the skills I have acquired over my thirty-year career in ceramics. Exciting times and challenges lie ahead, and I know I will make many mistakes and learn even more along the way. As Jerry Garcia once sang, "When all we ever wanted was to learn and love and grow." I will find my way to keep truckin on!
I invite you to follow me on my journey. If you can, consider taking a piece of my work home with you or joining a class or workshop. You will notice the care and attention I dedicate to every detail of my craft. Thank you for being here.