CHARLIE BARMONDE

(POTTERY)

EXHIBITION DATES

Artist Statement

           My pottery is predicated on skillfully presenting a range of complex forms within the tradition of functional ceramics.  The goal is for these vessels, despite their complexity, to be imbued with a calmness that seeks no conflict with user, but rather settles the user.
           Scandinavian potters such as Hans Coper have influenced my sense of proportion and geometry.  His emphatic consideration of form and the technical complexity of his process are belied by the arresting simplicity of balanced and geometric shapes.  While taking this In I still try to work quickly enough on the wheel to retain the liveliness treasured by English and Japanese folk potters.  Contemporary potters such as Michael Simon, Malcolm Wright and Clary Illian, have inherited this mantle of mastery and invention within tradition that I also try to carry forth in my work.
           My process is skewed towards formal excellence augmented by simple surface treatment achieved primarily through firing.  Formally, I enjoy the problem solving inherent in pieces that have multiple elements such as spouts, lids and handles.  Moreover, items that are slightly unusual or ceremonial challenge both my intellect and my technique.  I use extremely subtle and responsive glazes and achieve directionality through the introduction of vapors and ash into the kiln, thereby creating a composed surface.  The subtlety arrived at by allowing the kiln to leave its mark on a pot feels like a ghost walking into and out of a room.  It is this exercise in surrender to the kiln that is the most thrilling part of my process.
           Through mastery of sensual and functional proportion, skillfully articulated forms, and a spirit of honesty and personal connection I hope to connect the user to my experience of creation and to the tradition out of which it grows.  I know my pieces are successful when they are carefully observed, intimately handled, listened to, and gracefully cared for by someone other than myself.

           Born in Huntington, New York in 1976, Charlie Barmonde spent his youth in suburban Long Island dreaming of sailing and being an outfielder for the New York Mets. That all changed when he was fifteen and began making pottery. His education turned increasingly towards art until he finally enrolled at the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts in 1995.  He transferred to Marlboro College in Vermont the following year, graduating in 1999 with high honors and a B.A. in ceramics and art history. Since that time he has worked as a studio hand, assistant, and a production potter for artists in Massachusetts, Florida, Vermont and New York City. He moved to Rhode Island in 2003 and established his own fine craft ceramics studio in 2005. His work has been represented in galleries in New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Florida and Vermont; it is in private collections nationwide.  After having spent several years working commercially as a high volume production potter, Charlie returned to producing the Fine Craft Stoneware presently on exhibition.