Artist Statement:
Both ancient and contemporary ceramics, Shang bronze, and traditional architecture strongly influence the study of form and surface within my work. Experiences in nature and my study abroad give me endless inspiration. Each design is influenced by my experiences apprenticing in China and with the JCI-WVU International Academy of Ceramic Art, through my residency in the Penland, NC area at the Energy Xchange, and in my graduate studies at West Virginia University.
While the miniature scale, intimacy, and balance of the teapot continuously challenge me, working on a larger scale, making decorative urns, jars, and boxes, inspired by early Tang and Song Dynasty clay, Shang Dynasty bronzes, temples, and pagodas are also studio interests. By manipulating scale and proportion I strive to attain a gestural impact within the forms. While my work represents a strong wheel throwing foundation, often altering thrown forms and assembling parts, hand-building with hard and soft slabs is also part of my vocabulary of form and technique, as learned from working with Yixing teapot Masters.
In my glaze surfaces I am inspired by the rhythms, tones, and textures found in the natural environment. Layered slips, glazes, and over-glazes, as well as actual textured surfaces in the clay, create landscapes and references to lichen, gourds, flower buds, fish and streams. I strive to bring a bit of the natural world into the homes of the users and collectors of my pots. These rich and subtle layers of surface are achieved through the handling of the material itself and are enhanced by atmospheric wood and soda kilns. The firing process lends organic nature inspired hues and textures from the wood and sodium vapor glaze I introduce at high temperatures. All work is fired to 2400 degrees and is very durable and food safe. I hope to achieve a lasting sense of discovery and purpose in each piece.
About Jason:
Jason Bohnert is a designer and studio potter working in a range of clays in electric, wood, and soda kilns. After completing his MFA studies at West Virginia University in December of 2002, Jason accepted a residency at the Energy Exchange in Penland, NC and began his full- time pottery career. In 2001, 2002, and 2004, Mr. Bohnert travelled to China extensively and lived in private studios in Jingdezhen and Yixing, learning traditional pottery making techniques. The pottery and tea culture, architecture and cuisine, proved lifelong learning experiences that continue to influence his work. Based in Flagstaff, AZ from 2008- July 2024, Jason taught full and part-time at Northern Arizona University from 2010-2023 and built a home, a pottery studio with tiny gallery, and produced work for exhibit and sale. A regular participant in the Sedona Open Studios and the Verde Valley Pottery Festival, Jason has taught workshops at educational studios including Reitz Ranch, Odyssey Clay Center and Hood College and exhibits nationally in invitational and juried shows including Strictly Functional Pottery where his teapot was awarded a Juror’s Choice award. Most recently, Jason has accepted an artist residency in Steamboat Springs, CO at Warehome Studios, where he will teach community clay classes and make work in preparation for two exhibitions at the 2025 NCECA conference and for wood-firing at the La Serra Collective Anagama and soda kilns in Denver, where he will be a featured artist beginning December 2024. Stay tuned for future workshops, exhibitions, and artist residence opportunities in France beginning 2026.
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