Red Lodge Clay Center – Short-Term Resident 2022, (AIA) 2024
Jon Stein is a potter and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio. He found clay and the potters wheel at fifteen, igniting a lifelong journey in ceramics. Before earning his BFA at Northern Kentucky University he traveled to Japan to study wood-fired kilns techniques. Following his graduation, he spent time working with artists with developmental disabilities, driven by the belief that creative experiences with clay can significantly enhance quality of life. This commitment to inclusivity informs his work as he strives to make these experiences accessible to a diverse community. Jon’s quest to expand his knowledge of atmospheric firing led him to Utah State University, where he earned his MFA. His teaching roles and artist residencies have taken him across the country. In 2019, he returned to Cincinnati to become the education director of Queen City Clay, where he balances his teaching responsibilities with an active studio practice.
My ceramic vessels function as both utilitarian and cultural objects. Throughout history we find similarities in form and surface embellishments of vessels that not only accentuate aesthetic qualities, but also elevate certain actions. I find inspiration in similarities drawn between works created by dislocated and sometimes disparate cultures. I am interested in the diasporic implications of common forms found throughout the world, that can be distilled, blended and melded to illuminate foundational human stories. The process of firing with wood imparts a deeper connection to ancient traditions which are a common thread in many cultural histories. To this process I add a colorful glaze palette which blankets historically imbued motifs and forms in more contemporary sensibilities. The resulting objects travel in time and space as functional landmarks in a complex and interconnected world.