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Bruce Fontaine

Bruce Fontaine lives in Salem, OR.

Artist's Statement

“There are two things that I most enjoy about clay.  One is being able to work on the potters wheel.  I get a sense of accomplishing something physically gratifying when I am able to complete a form I choose.  The other is sculpture.  I feel connected with the medium when I can push, pull and indent the substance into a representational detail.” 

“I begin each piece by drawing or envisioning the design.  Next, if it is part of the concept, I throw the necessary pottery shapes on the wheel and allow the form become slightly stiffened overnight or longer.  When the clay has approached the desired consistency, I sculpt and add pieces, join forms together, and dry to prepare for the two or more firings that follow.  I use different colored mixes of clay that have the same rate of shrinkage.” 

“I consider my work to be an “urban folk art” style.  Although I have formal training in art, I strive to emulate the feeling of clay works by ancient and indigenous people of the world.  My focus is contemporary.   I give most of my works anthropomorphic qualities, or characteristics of humans.  I am influenced by the people around me, and they become subjects of my work.  I appreciate that people smile, laugh or even look perplexed when they see my work.  Making art brings me joy. I strive to transfer the sense of joy to each piece of work”

Visit Bruce Fontaine's website.