Collection: Tom Budzak - Featured Artist

Artist Statement:

My clay work is strongly influenced by traditional ceramic objects. Because of my interests in these forms a main portion of my work relies on wheel thrown and hand-built objects with some utilization of slip casting. Using a variety of techniques allows me to play with the surface of my pieces in a much more freeing and organic way. I feel this allows me to experiment with object shape to create new and different takes on classic ideas. I find inspiration from traditional ceramic shapes, revising the forms I admire the most and make them my own. I use highly colorful underglazes and textural glazes to further push my work into a unique form. These techniques allow me to experiment with particular forms in a series, like the teapot form. I high-fire my pieces in a cone 10 reduction to achieve textured glazes and I often do multiple firings. I am also greatly influenced by contemporary ceramics and continue to expand my horizons as I continue to make new artwork. 

Bio:

Ceramic artist and teacher for the past 20 years.  BFA from Arizona State University, MFA from New Mexico State University.  Currently teaching at South Mountain Community College.

Find Tom’s Artaxis page: https://artaxis.org/artist/tom-budzak/

Find Tom on Instagram: @budzak