Bob Acton
Bob Acton Ceramics
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Website
www.bobactonceramics.com
Email
bob@bobactonceramics.com
Artist Statement
Nature has always inspired my imagination. While growing up on the prairies I was drawn to nature spending many hours getting my hands dirty in the mud. My work strives to stir peoples' imagination about humanity’s intimate connection with nature.
Studio Description
My studio is in Calgary, Alberta, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I use Western Canadian red stoneware clay, paperclay, porcelain slip, encaustic wax, and found objects to create my figurative sculptures.
What type of clay do you use?
Stoneware, paperclay, and porcelain
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 2
What is your primary forming method?
Handbuilding
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Colored slips covered with encaustic wax
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Engaging
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
The light
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Practically, it would be the kiln, but I love my slab roller and pugmill.
What are your top three studio wishes?
A bigger kiln
What’s on your current reading list?
Portrait Sculpting: Anatomy & Expressions in Clay by Philippe Faraut
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I save all the leftover bits of clay from projects and I reuse them by recycling in my pugmill.
How do you recharge creatively?
A few things. I listen to podcasts about creativity and art. I get out in nature, fishing and hiking. And, I love gardening.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Patience. I always need more patience.
What did you first piece look like?
A very thick, heavy, small bowl
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Cristina Cordova. She is able to create wonderful, complex work that stimulates the mind.
What is your studio playlist?
Varied music depending on my mood. Hard bop jazz, lounge electronic, SOCA, sultry vocal
Why do you create art?
It completes me. While I have success in other areas of my life, art fulfills me and gives me the opportunity to inspire others.
What is your best studio tip?
Use good tools.
