Artist: Jason Dunn
Jason Dunn, CALIFORNIA
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Jason Dunn has been making pots since growing up in the mountains above Santa Cruz, CA. After studying ceramics at San Francisco State University, he graduated with a bachelor's in art in 2003 along with his future wife, Hue Yang. Ten years later, Jason returned to SFSU to earn a master's in education. Jason teaches ceramics at the College of Marin in Kentfield, where he is also the chair of the fine arts and architecture department.
Statement:
I make a spectrum of ceramics that runs from straight-ahead functional work to sculpture that abandons the vessel altogether. Most of my work falls somewhere in the middle of this range. Pots made to perform a specific function have particular design parameters, yet, once created, exist easily in the world. More sculptural work, at least for me, trades existential certainty for greater freedom of form. I hedge my bets by making sculptural vessels.
My pots are born of a strong reverence for historical ceramics, as well as aesthetically-aware contemporary pottery. Most of my work is thrown on the wheel before being altered and carved to create the final form and surface. The carving process is where my hand is strongest, and characteristics of the material that differ from the thrown surface become prominent. Material choice is important, and depending on the desired feel of the piece, I will use any clay body from the finest porcelain to the coarsest stoneware.
Incorporating the marks of the making process is a tactic I often use. Deliberate cuts, tears and combing patterns create a rhythm on the surfaces of my vessels and sculpture that directly relate to their overall form. Applied glazes often interact with the textural surfaces and conditions in the kiln. Atmospheric glazing, through wood or soda firing, adds additional layering and depth, with the intent to accentuate the forms and carved surfaces rather than simply cover them. I am most interested in the interplay between the layers of process.
EDUCATION
2012 Master of Arts, Education, Special Interest (Art), San Francisco State University
2003 Bachelors of Arts, Fine Art, Ceramics emphasis, San Francisco State University
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2012- Present Ceramics and Sculpture Instructor, Tenure Track
College of Marin, Kentfield, CA
2006-2012 Ceramics and Sculpture Laboratory Technician
College of Marin, Kentfield, CA
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2010 Vessels and Sculpture (one person exhibition)
College of Marin Fine Arts Gallery, Kentfield, CA
2010 Objects of Virtue, Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA
Juror: Julia Galloway.
2009 Three Oakland Potters, Surface Gallery, Bakersfield, CA
2009 Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, East Petersburg, PA
Juror: Pete Pinnell.
2009 California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CA
Juror: Cathie Duniway. Quyle Kilns Award.
2008 Sixteen Stokers II, Robert Else Gallery, Sacramento State University, CA
2008 Eight Bay Area Potters, Ruby's Clay Studio Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2008 Faculty Show, College of Marin Gallery, Kentfield, CA
2008 Sixteen Stokers, Trax Ceramics Gallery, Berkeley, CA
2007 What is a Cup?, #5 Gallery at the Vulcan, Oakland, CA
2007 It's Only Clay, Bemidji Community Art Center, Bemidji, MN
Juror: Jeff Oestreich.
2003 California Plates, Tierra Solida, Santa Barbara, CA
Juror: Otto Heino. Second Place Award.
2003 National Juried Cup Show, Gallery 138, Kent State University, Kent, OH
2003 California Clay Competition, The Artery, Davis, CA
Juror: Richard Shaw. Association of Clay and Glass Artists Award.
2003 Graduating Senior Show, San Francisco State University, CA
2002 Stillwell Juried Student Exhibition, San Francisco State University Art Gallery, CA
Best Ceramic Artwork Award.