Gary Beaumont Artist Statement

My high-fired porcelain pieces are an exploration of a miraculous transformation of the elements of the earth into the forms, colors and textures of pottery.

For me, there has always been something fascinating and magical about pottery -- taking products from the earth, combining them, and creating something artistic as well as utilitarian.

Pottery speaks directly to what it means to be human. I can imagine early people sitting around a fire, discovering how heat made clay vitreous and how to shape clay into useful products. Most importantly, they chose to make pots interesting to look at and a joy to touch.

My goal is to carefully craft pots, offering people in our “fast-food” society a reason to stop and notice how something looks and feels -- something that slows them down, makes them aware of themselves, and conveys to them a spirit of humanity.

Another unique aspect of pottery is the generosity and camaraderie of the individuals involved in this art and craft. I owe my calling to numerous other potters, but especially Don Pilcher, University of Illinois emeritus professor of art, a true creative genius with clay who was extremely generous with his time while I was at the U of I in the 1970s. More recently, Sally McMahon, instructor at Parkland College, provided gentle encouragement when I was returning to pottery after an absence due to family and career responsibilities. Finally, Michael Schwegmann, Boneyard Pottery in Champaign, Illinois, has willingly shared his knowledge, discipline, and enthusiasm with me.

Juried Recognition: 

• 2004 Franklin Square 24th Annual July National Exhibition

• 2004 Illinois Artisans Program

• 2006 New Hampshire Institute of Art, Biennial Ceramics Exhibit

• 2007 Illinois State Fair, Professional Artists Exhibit

• 2007 Roswell Fine Arts League 24th Juried Show

• 2007 Genesee Pottery National Juried Exhibition