Artist: Sean Kunz
Sean Kunz, NEW YORK
Bio
Born on the prairies of Canada, but raised on the lush and rainy West Coast of British Columbia, Sean always had a particular awareness of symmetry, profile, line quality, and pattern in nature.
In 2000 he enrolled at the Alberta College of Art and Design, and started taking an interest in functional ceramics, specifically high temperature atmospheric firing. Sean was a resident at the Harbourfront Centre Craft Studio in Toronto, Canada for 2 years. Returning to Calgary in 2007, he worked as a studio technician at NMPAC for 10 years, building and firing the studio kilns,
In the Fall of 2021 Sean started his MFA program at the New York College of Ceramics, in Alfred, NY. where he continues to make pots and explore the possibilities of ceramics.
Artist Statement
As a potter making functional work, I am challenged by both aesthetic, and ergonomic considerations. A robust pot that works well is more likely to be used on a daily basis. That means paying particular attention to lids, spouts and handles, important details that can make handmade pots a pleasure to use. The accessibility of a functional craft object that can engage the user on a daily basis is an important aspect of my practice, and with a relatively small investment the user can own a small piece of daily, useful art.
I want my vessels to have volume, a generous space that alludes to their ability to contain and nourish, and to have gesture and subtle anthropomorphic qualities that imbue an energy and fullness. I am interested in surfaces that invite touch and exploration; texture as pattern, contrasting matte and gloss surfaces, marks left by the firing process. The most successful surfaces have an organic quality, reminiscent of moss, ice crystals, or the sea. I prefer traditional atmospheric firing methods, such as wood and salt firing, methods that physically touch and impact the work.
I often work in small editions, making each piece by hand allows me to constantly refine designs. The forms evolve slowly through reflection, observing the pots in a group, comparing proportions and surface quality. The relationship between a grouping of pots, and the ability of gesture to activate a neighbouring form helps to energize the work.
I strive to keep traditional domestic design relevant in an increasingly fast paced society. Handmade objects take time. They connect us to each other and are a physical manifestation of the makers time, skill and energy. Influenced by historic pots and their ritual use, a more contemplative object can provide a moment of reflection and connection. A link to the past, and an intimate moment in the present, shared with family and friends.
Education:
2023 - MFA Candidate , Alfred University Ceramics Alfred, NY. USA.
2005 - BFA -Alberta College of Art and Design, Ceramics major.
Calgary, Canada.
- - High School Diploma, Mount Douglas Secondary.
Victoria, Canada.
Residencies:
2005 - Harbourfront Center, two year craft studio residency in ceramics. Toronto, Canada.
- - Medalta International Artist Residency.
Medicine Hat, Canada.
- -The Banff Center, Independent Residency, wood kiln firings.
Banff, Canada.
Select Group Exhibitions:
2021 - MFA Cohorts - Alone Together, Virtual.
Curated by the MFA students at University of Montana.
- Strictly Functional National, Lancaster Museum of Art.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania USA.
- Red Lodge Clay Center Juried National
Red Lodge, Montana USA.
- Ceramic Congress Canadian Exhibition, Virtual.
Curated by Carole Epp.
2019 - Put a Lid on It, London Clay Art Centre, Biennial Exhibition. London, Canada.
- Colours of The Lakes, Willock and Sax Gallery.
Banff, Canada.
- Northern Blends, NCECA Christensen Gallery, Augsburg University.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
2018 - Uncommon Blends, C-Space Alberta Craft Council.
Calgary, Canada.
2017 - Last Call 2, Companion Gallery.
Humbolt, Tennessee, USA.
2016 - Cheers, Celebratory Drinking Vessels, Yuill Gallery, Medalta. Medicine Hat, Canada.
2013 - Medalta International Cup Show, Yuill Gallery, Medalta.
Medicine Hat, Canada
- Potworks, Alberta Craft Council.
Edmonton, Canada.
- Well Done. Harbourfront Center.
Toronto, Canada.
2012 - BAC 35, Burlington Art Center 35th. Anniversary Mug Exhibition. Burlington, Canada.
- The Makings III, Willock and Sax Gallery.
Banff, Canada.
2011 - The Makings II, Willock and Sax Gallery.
Banff, Canada.
2010 - Clay 2010, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, ACC Gallery.
Edmonton, Canada.
- The Makings, Willock and Sax Gallery.
Banff, Canada.
2009 - Perfect, Burlington Art Center.
Burlington, Canada.
2007 - Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Nathan Phillips Square.
Toronto, Canada.
- On The Table, The Gardiner Museum
Toronto, Canada.
Art Gallery of Winnipeg.
Winnipeg, Canada.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Halifax, Canada.
- Proportion and Bliss, York Quay Centre
Toronto, Canada.
2006 - Downtown Urban Design Event, College St.
Toronto, Canada.
- Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Nathan Phillips Square.
Toronto, Canada.
- Contemporary Canadian Ceramics, Esplanade Gallery.
Medicine Hat, Canada.
- Material World- Harbourfront Residents Show. York Quay Gallery.
Toronto, Canada.
2005 - Graduating Students Show, Alberta College of Art and Design. Calgary, Canada.
- Convergence, Senior ACAD Ceramic Student Show, Art Central.
Calgary, Canada.
- Clay Dynamics, Medicine Hat Public Library.
Medicine Hat, Canada.
Awards:
2019 - Put a Lid on It, Best Design Award. Shino Box, 2018. 2016 - Cheers, Medalta Purchase Award. Bottles, 2016.
2010 - Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Purchase Award. Flasks, Ewer Set. 2006 - Toronto Outdoor Show, Honorable Mention, Ceramics.
2005 - Harbourfront Residency, 1st. year Craft Studio Scholarship.
- Shimpo Student Scholarship.
- Peggy Heer Memorial Summer Institute Ceramics Award.
- Jason Lang Scholarship.
Collections:
- Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Clay 2010 purchase program. Ewer Set 2007, Fat Stripe Flask 2009, Flask 2009.
Publications:
2007 - Cahiers Metiers d’Arts. Issue #2, 2008.
Relational Ceramics.
Article by Amy Gogarty.
- Fusion, Ontario Clay and Glass. Fall 2007.
On The Table Panel Discussion.
Article by Shirley Clifford.
2006 - BC Potters Guild Newsletter, Volume 42 #7.
Contemporary Canadian Ceramics, exhibition review.
Article by Amy Gogarty.
2005 - Galleries West, Exhibition Reviews
Contemporary Canadian Ceramics
Article by Amy Gogarty
Related Experience:
2020 - Instructor, Red Deer College Summer Series Clay Program. 2012 - Ceramic technician, NMPAC, City of Calgary. 2012-2021.
2007 - Invited panel member, group discussion ‘Does Art Still Have a Job?’ Gardiner Museum. Toronto, Canada. Moderated by Harlan House.