Ira Burhans
Florida

White Stoneware, Cone 6 Oxidation
Functional
9"w x 4.5"d x 8.5"h

Artist Statement
I am drawn to the classic Japanese pottery that influenced many potters. The simple shapes and glazes seem to fit those pots so well. The notion of the humble potter making pots for everyday use was very appealing to me. Over 40-plus years, I've found the relationship between form, texture, and glaze challenging and interesting.
The life around me influences the curled handles and carved surfaces. I live in Florida, the land of the endless summer, where wind, water, and waves feed my creative soul. I carve patterns reminiscent of patterns in the sand when the tide goes out. Those curly handles come from waves breaking on the shore, and the glazing resembles falling water. Most recently, I have turned my view to the garden around my studio. Some handles have taken on a leaf-like quality, and I have been carving leaves on the surface of my pieces.

About Ira
Ira Burhans earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota. His concentration was in ceramic art with a minor in sculpture. During this period, he served an internship at Clayworks Studio Workshop in New York City. Currently, Ira produces a wide variety of unique functional wheel-thrown stoneware pottery.

*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.