PortCity Mud

“30 by 5″ is another top notch exhibition presented by the premier online gallery out of Iowa City, Iowa, AKAR. This is the current Who’s Who Gallery of North American Ceramics.

Special notice this time though is the inclusion of local ceramic artist and Associate Professor of Ceramics and Sculpture at University of the Pacific in Stockton, Trent Burkett.

Here’s the artist statement that was included in this exhibition…

Faceted Cylinder

My appreciation for functional objects ranges from the strictly everyday use of objects to the more eccentric and possibly sculptural aspects of experiencing objects. Their use can become obscured and inter-changed. My aesthetic incorporates the use of form and surface which employ organic/ gestural qualities as

Cut Neck Bottle

well as architectural / human invented forms. In this regard, I attempt to create a dynamic equilibrium between the sculptural aspects and the conventions of functionality. My experience with wood and salt-fired ceramics is important to my aesthetic goals. This process of firing with wood has solidified my understanding of the relationship between form, material, surface, and the traditions of firing. Currently, I dig and process most of my clay in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Working with more stubborn clays has challenged my working methods.

Wood Fired Faceted Bottle

The struggle to figure out a particular material and how it works is what holds my attention. Regularity in process and results rapidly creates boredom. Wood- firing is perfect for this very reason; it is for the most part unpredictable. However, with keen observation, one can build a palette out of the irregular and in a sense “casually mingle” with it to achieve desirable results. I also work with mixed-media to create singular objects as well as installations. The use of space as a medium in experiencing visual information is also a key element in my work.

Trent’s work can be found at

Trax Gallery, Berkeley,

Also view online at http://www.trentburkett.com

It’s that time of year again, the leaves are turning colors overnight, the fog is starting to roll in before everyone wakes up. I’m already boiling up water to set next to the throwing wheel. Seems a bit early this year. but, shruggs.A quick look over the fence and I see the local San Joaquin Potters Guild getting ready to host their 2 day sale at St Basil’s November the 20th & 21st. The guild has a few new members that are definitely worth the trip out of the house to meet. Head on over Friday night 5:00 to 7:00 for the artist reception and meet everyone.