David Ross

I have been making pottery in the Sonoma Valley of California for over 30 years. My love for the creative process has inspired constant experimentation with the infinite and unpredictable variables of the ceramic art.

Each piece is hand thrown with the goal of creating a form that is graceful and balanced, yet spontaneous and alive. I use a variety of clays and a glazing technique that requires multiple layers of brushing, dipping and pouring. With energy conservation in mind, my glazes have been designed to be applied directly to dry clay, eliminating a customary bisque fire. A slow, careful firing to 2300° F. allows clay and glaze to mix and meld in a way that is unique to each piece. Many years of experimenting have finally yielded the desired deep, rich, elemental qualities reminiscent of earth, wood and steel.

Classical forms have always been my inspiration, whether in ceramics or music (my other love). Early on, I studied the pottery of the ancient Asian master. Most recently, I have been drawn to the subtle forms and glazes of the American Arts and Crafts movement of the early 1900s as well as the philosophy and work ethic those artists embraced. I feel strongly that the work of individual craftspeople is an important part of keeping individual integrity and creativity in a world where the human element is being sacrificed to mass production.

My work has been shown in galleries across the U.S., in a number of magazine publications including Designers West Magazine, and in a book on the Arts and Crafts revival by Chase Ewald.