Justin Donofrio
Fort Collins, Colorado
Website
www.justindonofrio.com
Artist Statement
Through the lens of functional pottery I focus on questions about our relationship with objects. Each vessel is made using clay that is artificially colored to reference natural tones. The harmony of repetition comes through meditation of movement.
Studio Description
Focusing on the fluidity of process and materials as remnants of making, I work with a limited number of tools and movements to allow the clay to actively inform the line quality and elegant volume.
What type of clay do you use?
Colored porcelain, primarily
What temperature do you fire to?
cone 8
What is your primary forming method?
Slab built forms using hump molds and banding wheels
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Raw clay
Do you make any of your own tools?
Sometimes
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Cojigulation
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Flow and space
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
A kiln
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Recycle and reusing
How do you recharge creatively?
I'm and avid rock climber. The outdoors is always a source of recharging creatively.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Putting myself out there as an artist. Always struggled with this. Which is why I'm applying for an ICAN portfolio.
What did your first piece look like?
A pinch pot sake cup. Stoneware with celadon fired to cone 10.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
No cracking power!
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Alleghany Meadows. He has been a huge influences and friend in my clay experience.
What is your studio playlist?
A mix of many musicians. I also listen to podcasts sometimes.
Why do you create art?
I need to make. My palette of color and form are drawn from the exquisite and enduring beauty of the alpine landscape.
What is your best studio tip?
Patience.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
It's perfect. That's why we love it.
