Pottery Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 21, 2006
Dr. Frank Pishkur
(417) 625-9735

 

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - Conner Burns, a studio potter and gallery owner from Natchez, Mississippi, will demonstrate his techniques of building ceramic vessel forms in a workshop at Missouri Southern State University.

 

The one day workshop will begin at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 25 in room 111 (Ceramics Studio) of the Department of Art. The artist’s lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in room 107 of the Department. The workshop and lecture is free and open to all students and the public.

 

Burns will discuss his ideas of developing a personal style in one’s work as featured in the February 2006 article he authored in Ceramics Monthly magazine. Burns also will give a visual presentation showcasing how these techniques and concepts are featured in his personal artwork.

 

“I enjoy vessels that are equally complete standing alone or in use," Burns states. "I make them in a manner that brings satisfaction both during the process and when the vessel is complete. I work alone in my studio to focus upon each vessel. Although I work in a series - nothing is alike nor is it intended to be. Each form should sprout forth and reach out with a quiet dynamic expression. Rich subtleties and organic influences are important. It should look as if it grew that way - rather than being ‘made’. Texture, both visual and tactile, encourage a closer look."

 

"Tea for One" by Conner Burns

Burns' interest in pottery surfaced in his mid-twenties. After a number of years of fitting clay around his job in the Health and Wellness field, Conner took a year off and spent the time working with clay.

 

Burns served as the Artist-in-Residence at Steven Hill’s Red Star Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. After completing two years there, Burns returned to his hometown and established his studio, gallery, and clay teaching studio. The gallery represents some of the best pottery made in the United States as well as a variety of other media. He teaches regular weekly classes and also hosts weekend and week-long workshops from nationally recognized clay artists

Ash-Glazed Creamer by Conner Burns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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