Jason Bohnert has lived, worked and studied in Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Arizona. During extended stays at China’s Jingdezhen Ceramic College, the artist focused on teapot making and traditional porcelain techniques. He is especially interested in the vessel forms and rituals of Chinese tea culture. “The exploration of form and surface within the tradition of functional pottery continue to inspire my ceramic art,” he explains.

About his work, the artist states, “In my glaze surfaces I am inspired by the rhythms, tones, and textures found in the natural environment. I enjoy brushwork with slips and blue underglaze, contrasting brightly ornamented calligraphy-inspired painting with the bare soda-fired clay body. Layered slips, glazes, and overglazes, as well as actual textured surfaces in the clay, create landscapes and references to lichen, gourds, flower buds, fish and streams. I strive to bring a bit of the natural world into the homes of the users and collectors of my pots. These rich and subtle layers of surface are achieved through the handling of the material itself and are enhanced by atmospheric wood and soda kilns. The firing process lends organic nature-inspired hues and textures from the wood and sodium glaze I introduce at high temperatures. All work is fired to 2400 degrees and is very durable and food safe. I hope to achieve a lasting sense of discovery and purpose in each piece.”

Jason holds a BA in philosophy from Indiana’s Hanover College and an MFA in ceramics from West Virginia University. His work has been included in numerous exhibitions and publications, winning honors including the Juror’s Choice Award at the Strictly Functional Pottery National in Pennsylvania. Recently, the artist settled in Flagstaff, AZ, where he is on the faculty of Coconino Community College.