John Roberts Ceramics

I have been studying ceramic art since 1995. My education began at the University of Kansas, where I initially focused on graphic design before switching my major to ceramics after my second year. I earned my BFA in Ceramics from Fort Hays State University in 1998 and my MFA from Georgia State University in 2001.

 

Early inspiration for my work is deeply rooted in the ceramics and paintings of the abstract expressionist era, as well as the traditions, forms, and philosophy of Japanese pottery. These influences paved the way for me to approach clay work through a stream-of-consciousness and meditative practice.

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My current functional work focuses on soda firing, a process that has profoundly connected form, glaze, and kiln firing for me. Through this method, I discovered how minimally I could pour and layer glazes while embracing the unpredictable effects of soda melting and altering the surface.

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After finding my direction with soda kiln firing, I began painting on large vessels with underglazes as part of a new series I started in 2020. I’ve titled this series Nebula. The concept explores the visual parallels between the shapes of microscopic organisms and the celestial galaxies visible through modern technology. This work is also informed by the murals and writings I encounter daily in Atlanta’s urban environment. Each piece is multi-fired at varying temperatures to build up layers of color with underglazes, then highlighted with cold finishes. The resulting images portray organic, floating orbs and shapes that revolve around the contours of the vessels.