Collection: Ian Bassett - Featured Artist

Ian Bassett is a visual artist and potter living in The San Francisco East Bay. He was born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Connecticut on Long Island Sound. He received his BFA in Ceramics from the New Hampshire Institute of Art, a Post Baccalaureate in ceramics from Hood College and his MFA in ceramics from Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts. He has taught at Diablo Valley College, was the Studio Technician at Art Academy University and the Ceramics Studio Manager at Ox Bow School of Art and Artist Residencies.  He has pursued a career in education and the arts and currently is an Adjunct Professor at Los Medanos College teaching Ceramics, and Lecturer at Sonoma State University. He also teaches classes Clay by the Bay Ceramics Studio in San Francisco. In June 2020 Ian Bassett and his wife opened Applied Contemporary, a Craft Gallery located in Oakland, CA.

Artist Statement:

My work explores simple utilitarian forms designed to be used every day. I find myself drawn to and inspired by traditional Japanese and Korean folk pottery. My pottery is a vehicle through which I seek connection to my culture. I am exploring traditional and contemporary pottery aesthetics blending with a modern approach and feeling.

Soda firing provides subtle and dramatic surfaces and colors that I find to be alluring. The tension creates a balance and sense of harmony that I love exploring. I am a mark maker hoping to capture a sense of movement, rhythm and calmness through the application of slip on simple quiet forms.  My designs are largely inspired by the natural world. My goal is to make pottery that is desired to be used and enjoyed by anyone.

Find Ian's Artaxis page: https://artaxis.org/artist/ian-bassett/

Find Ian on Instagram at: @craftrider

Proceeds from this sale support the artist, and Artaxis, a 501(c)3 non-profit art organization. Please contact us at contactartaxis@gmail.com if you would like to ship any of the work out of the US, or if you have any questions.

** Ian Bassett's Artaxis Shop has ended. You can find more work available for sale by visiting the other Featured Artist collections HERE