Nicholas Bernard
Artist Statement Form is everything; I stretch clay to make canvases for decoration. Texture, pattern, and color are successful additions when the shapes are impeccable. My inspirations are many, from the classic forms of antiquity to the simple, graceful pots made by indigenous peoples and the work of modern studio potters. Dramatic color, subtle texture, and graphic pattern accentuate what I hope is a mastery of the traditional vessel form.
Artist Bio Early experiences with clay as a child apparently left a mark. After school, apprenticeships, and more school, making pots was, is, and will continue to be a way of life. I’ve been a studio potter for nearly 40 years now, living and working in Arizona for much of that time. My work as a professional has always been low fire earthenware. For many years my Raku pots were shown nationally. The influences are scattered from the Southwest, Africa, and Japan to the cultures of the Mediterranean. A museum full of 2000-year-old pots in Rhodes was an epiphany. Simple forms with no contrivance or pretension filled room after room. I hope to make one like that before I’m done. Seeing those pots 20 years ago started this current evolution. It began with soft muted colors, totally classic shapes. Amphora, ewers, and jugs with an ancient feel. Then, textured pots with extravagant handles, spouts, and flourishes using brushed color. Over the last 20 years, the current body of work has evolved. Hot colors, simple closed forms with very controlled textures dominate. High-fire porcelain and white stoneware have now been added to the mix. This work is completely different from the earthenware. Different clays, firing, and extravagant decorating techniques give homage to my influences and work from the past with a whole new level of skills and maturity.
The last piece finished today, good, bad or indifferent is the product of doing the work for many years. These pieces can’t be made without those experiences, successes, and failures, lots of failures. Even after 40 years, every day in the studio is an adventure; I’m looking forward to working tomorrow.
