Glenn Dair
Georgia

Ceramic, slab-constructed, soda-fired to cone 6. Spearmint & commercial glazes, engobes, & rattles.
Non-functional
7.5"w x 3"l x 7.75"h

About the Teapot
Why teapots? All my work is based on utilitarian archetypes but influenced by architecture. I make teapots because of the challenge and because I love the expressive nature of the gesture, driven by the thrust of the spout. These will hold tea (not much) and pour (strangely). They are designed to give the owner something new to look at with each viewing.

About the Artist
I really love moving clay around, and am fascinated by the changing moods of this medium. I approach the work as a dialog or a partnered dance, listening and following as much as directing. Most of my work starts on the wheel, but doesn’t stay that way. I just can’t leave anything alone. I strive to throw like a hand builder, and will work on a piece until it surprises me with its newness. The work is mostly founded on utilitarian context (“teapot”, “lidded jar”, “bowl”’ etc.), but often not restricted by usefulness. I am more interested in the gesture of the genre, and am concerned with the sculptural presence of the object- how the object takes up space as well as how it shapes the space around it. Surface treatment is directed toward shaping the space within the space. Form and surface: that’s all we have to work with.
I look to non-pottery sources for influence, and am drawn primarily to architectural forms as well as Chinese bronzes. I believe that traditional Indonesian wooden boats are among the finest forms ever made, and hope someday to make an object of such quality. Rarely are these influences used consciously. I prefer to witness, sublimate, and incorporate the images into the self of myself so that my heart and hands may do the real work.

*Teapots that are purchased will remain on display in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition, through September 14, 2026.
After the show closes, teapots will be carefully packed and shipped by September 28, or they may be picked up at the gallery.

National Teapot Show XIII

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Glenn Dair - Spearmint/Red Teapee