Sean Kunz
Taking mid-20th C. design as a reference, with hints of Scandinavia, Asia and South America, Sean Kunz emphasizes clean lines in his highly functional ceramic work. This clarity provides vessels that show to advantage his confidence with glaze and his apt decal application.
Large Capped Jug With Stand, porcelaneous stoneware, 16 inches (41 cm) high, $350.00 Cdn.
Earthly and Glacial Waters Tall Pouring Pots, porcelaneous stoneware, 15.5 inches (39 cm) high, $175.00 Cdn.
Large Capped Jug With Stand, porcelaneous stoneware, 14.5 inches (37 cm) high, $350.00 Cdn.
Large Lidded Jar, porcelaneous stoneware, 12 inches (30 cm), $180.00 Cdn.
Sean Kunz, Layered Earth Ewer Set, high fired porcelaneous stoneware, average 5.5 x 3.5 x 5 inches (14 x 9 x 13 cm), $75.00 each or $150.00 Cdn for set of two.
Flasks, porcelaneous stoneware, 6.5 inches (17 cm), $100.00 Cdn. (#2 sold)
Bottle, porcelaneous stoneware, 12 inches (31 cm) high, $150.00 Cdn.
Glacial Waters Flask With Lid, porcelaneous stoneware and cord, 9 x 2.5 x 5 inches (23 x 6.5 x 13 cm), $180.00 Cdn (#1 sold).
Bottle, porcelaneous stoneware, 12.5 inches (32 cm) high, $150.00 Cdn.
Bottle, porcelaneous stoneware, 13 inches (33 cm) high, $150.00 Cdn.
Tall Bottle, porcelaneous stoneware, 13.25 x 3.5 inches (34 x 9 cm), $120.00 Cdn.
Layered Earth Teapot (3.5 cup capacity), porcelaneous stoneware, 6 x 8 x 4 inches (15 x 20 x 10 cm), $150.00 Cdn.
Shino Forest Teapot, high fired functional porcelaneous stoneware, 5.75 inches(14.5 cm) high to top of lid, $150.00 Cdn.
Shino Forest Teapot, high fired functional porcelaneous stoneware, 5.5 inches (14 cm) high to top of lid, $150.00 Cdn.
Layered Earth Long Necked Jugs with Handle, high fired functional porcelaneous stoneware, 6 inches (15 cm) high, $50.00 Cdn each
Glacial Waters Teapot (3.5 cup capacity), porcelaneous stoneware, 6 inches (15 cm), sold.
Layered Earth Teapot with Trivet, high fired porcelaneous stoneware, 7.5 inches (19 cm) high to top of spout, sold.
Capped Jug, porcelaneous stoneware, 8 inches (20 cm), sold. Creamer (sold).
Glacial Waters Teapot, porcelaneous stoneware, 7.5 inches (19 cm), sold.
..keeping traditional domestic design relevant in an increasingly fast-paced society…
Slowly refining ideas and experimenting with off-round and altered forms, he developed a relationship with his material and the glazing and firing process. He enjoys the challenge of balancing functional and aesthetic components and the rhythm of working in the studio.
“I want my vessels to have volume, a generous space that alludes to their ability to contain and nourish, and to have gesture and subtle anthropomorphic qualities that imbue an energy and fullness. I am interested in surfaces that invite touch and exploration; texture as pattern, contrasting matte and gloss surfaces, marks left by the firing process. I often work in small editions, making each piece by hand allows me to constantly refine designs. The forms evolve slowly through reflection, observing the pots in a group, comparing proportions and surface quality. I prefer traditional atmospheric firing methods, such as wood and salt firing, methods that physically touch and impact the work.”
Born on the prairies (1979), but raised primarily in Victoria, B.C., Kunz was always interested in drawing and design, with a particular awareness of profile and line quality. He returned to Alberta to attend the Alberta College of Art & Design in Calgary in 2000, with the intention of getting a design degree from the Visual Communication department. In his first year at ACAD he took a ceramic elective with an inspiring instructor named Gary Williams, who assured him that he could in fact make a living as a ceramic artist. It wasn’t until his second year at ACAD that he started taking a serious interest in functional work, and specifically high temperature atmospheric firing. Inspired by visiting potters and a wheel throwing class, he began throwing pots daily.
While finishing his BFA (2005) Sean took on a residency at Harbourfront Center in Toronto, which afforded him numerous exhibition, gallery and teaching opportunities. In 2007 he returned to Alberta. He worked and taught at the North Mount Pleasant Art Centre, Calgary. Sean is currently an MFA Candidate in Ceramics at Alfred University.