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| Ron Mello | | | See more art by Ron Mello | | In your carved vessels, do you have the pattern or idea before you create the vessel or are you inspired to carve something after the vessel is created but before it is put in the kiln? | | | The carved vessels have long been an interest. They started as a carry over from my drawings and paintings. Most pieces start out with inspiration from nature. and are planned in advance and are one-of-a-kind, unique pieces...There are times when pieces are more spontaneous, but, due to the nature of the material, they are usually sketches for more complex, worked out pieces.
| | | | You have been working with ceramics for 20 years, when did you begin working with Raku?
| | | My interest in Raku started about the same time I started ceramics in general. My friend and mentor prof. John Heller got me started. His first class was an introduction to 2 college degrees and a lifetime in ceramics. | | | | What drew you to Raku to begin with and why do you feel it has stuck with you? | | | Raku seemed to be a more spontaneous and creative way to work in clay. There is much that is left up to the kiln gods. It is almost impossible to completely plan the final colors and patterns using primitive methods i.e. Raku, horsehair, sagger and pit firing. After many years and hundreds of firings I have developed some skill with these methods and can plan on general color and pattern effects. I have been using found objects paint, metal leaf and other materials in my clay pieces for many years and these materials give me a chance to add a more personal and creative touch to my vessels. | | | | Were you familiar with Paul Soldner's work or are there other artists who have had an influence on your work? | | | Yes, I have been familiar with Soldner's work since the beginning. His influence on all contemporary ceramic art is undeniable. I have always loved Mayan and Native American ceramics. Japanese art especially ceramics, woodblock prints and sword making are a continuing interest. Contemporary inspirations are many, both in ceramics and the other fine arts, too numerous to list here but they do include: In Ceramics: Professor John Heller, Judith Motzkin, David Roberts (Great Britton), Rick Foris, Harvey Sadow. Robert Arneson, Studio potters: Warren MacKenzie & John Glick and hundreds of others whose work I admire. As a painter and printmaker, I admire the work of Rembrandt, Picasso, and the impressionist andexpressionist movements and many many others. | | |
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