Ian Dunton

BIOGRAPHY

Ian Dunton is a studio potter and native of Western Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Business Economics, and is currently enrolled as an MFA Student at Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I primarily create functional pottery, but sometimes delve into my experiences as a Marine and my service in Iraq & Afghanistan. In many of my forms, I use my hands to make impressions in the soft clay after they are thrown to emulate the hills, valleys, creeks, and ridges where I grew up on the Appalachian Plateau. In others, I achieve my desired effects through subtle alteration, strategic wadding, and placement of my work in a kiln. These methods serve as a departure from normative forms, as well as the excess, and industrial plainness which simultaneously pervade contemporary society. The work is finished in an atmospheric environment which draws me in due to the peaceful coalescence of random variations, colors and depth obtained through chaos. This process relates very much to my journey in life; raised up, the horrors of war and the harrowing trial in the kiln, and finally, tempered together with character.  

Website: www.frenchcreekpottery.com
Instagram: @ian_pots