Eric Van Eimeren
Montana

Stoneware, Steel, and Brass
Non-functional
10"w x 9"d x 12.75"h

About the Teapot
This teapot is coil-built with a slab-built permanently attached lid and handle. Symbolic of a Japanese garden with stones placed in a moss garden under a contemporary torii gate. The intent of this teapot is for sculptural purposes only.

The first time I participated in the National Teapot Show was over 30 years ago, and I’ve tried to send work to this show ever since. It occurs every three years and it’s always fun to see such a diverse collection of teapots under one roof (website). I don’t make these complex fancy pants pieces often as they take so long to make, but they’re still fun and allow me to explore the relationship between function and sculpture (it pours, can be used for self defense but is not microwave safe🫖⚡️)

Artist Statement
I am happiest when making useful things, and inspired by the fact that despite thousands of years of pottery making, we can still leave our studios today having created something new. The idea of form following function still rings true for me, however, I believe that function can sometimes be persuaded to follow sculptural form, creating an interesting dialogue between utility and sculpture.

About Eric
Growing up in Huntington Beach, CA, Eric discovered ceramics in high school. He earned a B.A. in Ceramics at San Diego State University and an MFA from Alfred University, N.Y. He then moved to Helena, Montana, to be a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation. At the end of his residency in 1993, Eric set up a pottery studio and has enjoyed living and working in Helena ever since.

*Teapots that are sold must remain on display in the gallery as part of the exhibit until the show closes on September 10, 2020.  After the show closes, teapots will be carefully packed and shipped by September 26 or available for pick-up at the gallery.