Frank Mcguirk
BIOGRAPHY
Frank McGuirk is a full time studio potter.
He completed the full undergraduate Fine Arts curriculum in Ceramics at Colorado State University and worked as a potter in the 1970s. Frank then went on to earn a PhD in psychology in 1974. In 2006, he realized a long held ambition by returning to ceramic work full-time. Frank established his own studio near Carbondale Colorado. He makes hundreds of utilitarian and sculptural pieces each year. Many of Frank’s recent works are in private and corporate collections. He also has shown his work in numerous shows and exhibitions. His ceramic pieces are functional and, at times, architecture-inspired sculpture. Frank also teaches adult ceramics at the Carbondale Clay Center in recent years.
Q&A WITH THE ARTIST
Carbondale Clay Center (CCC): Where does your creative process begin (i.e. sketchbook, specific routine, image reference, etc.)? What considerations do you think about when creating drinking vessels?
Frank McGuirk (FM): In recent years I have drawn from shapes and architecture from travelling in foreign countries. Also, the opportunity to work with several Japanese potters has influenced my functional forms.
CCC: Do you have a certain type of vessel that you prefer to drink from? Does it vary based on the beverage?
FM: Coffee cups with nice handles and tumblers are my go-to beverage vessels.
CCC: When creating a mug, I often hear about the detail and time taken for the handle. Do you have a handle size and type that you prefer to use? Why? Does that directly inform your creative process?
FM: I feel handles must “fit” the shape of the mug in terms of size, lines and style. There are way too many mugs with “bad” handles out there. The handle must be attached nicely and look like it is strong enough to withstand a few knocks.
CCC: What makes handmade pottery unique to you? Why use a handmade object to sip your coffee, tea, water, etc.?
FM: Handmade work always tells a “story” and doesn’t get boring with repeated use. The beverage in a handmade cup really does taste better!
CCC: What influences your pots? What are you looking at or thinking about when making specific beverageware?
FM: Function; interior look and liner glaze; exterior form with integrity of shape.
CCC: Is there a certain type of drinking vessel that you prefer making? Or one that seems to always be sought after by customers?
FM: Tea bowls (e.g. chawan & yunomi)
CCC: How do you define art within your functional pottery? Do you consider pottery to be a form of art?
FM: Yes, in that each piece should be interesting and pleasing to the eye and rewarding when used for its purpose.
CCC: When creating pottery, do you work in a series or body of work? At what point do you transition from one series to another?
FM: Some of my forms find their way onto my wheel without much planning … these are like old friends that return often with being invited.
CCC: What keeps you inspired in the studio?
FM: I like to listen to lots of types of music ……
CCC: How do color, surface, and form influence your work? Does each of those design elements play equal roles in your making process? Is one emphasized over others?
FM: Form first, then surface ... which usually drives my glaze choices.