Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
Contact
Home About the Center Artists & Exhibitions Schedule of Events Education Store

Current Online Exhibition:


Jon Keenan

Ceramic Journeys

November 13 - December 31, 2020
Online Exhibition

View Exhibition on Artsy

View Jon Keenan's Exhibition on Artsy!

An exhibition of new work in porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware by Jon Keenan

 

The following works by Jon Keenan were photographed by Bill Truslow.

Jon Keenan - Blue Stroke
Jon Keenan | Blue Stroke

 

Jon Keenan - Carbon Shino Low Bowl
Jon Keenan | Carbon Shino Low Bowl

 

Jon Keenan - Iron Yellow Bottle
Jon Keenan | Iron Yellow Bottle
Jon Keenan - Salt Torso
Jon Keenan | Salt Torso

 

Jon Keenan - Iron White Bowl
Jon Keenan | Iron White Bowl

 

Jon Keenan - Karatsu
Jon Keenan | Karatsu

 

About Jon Keenan

My first exposure to pottery occurred as a young boy living in New Delhi when local potters visited my school to demonstrate their throwing techniques using hand powered wooden wheels that rested on the ground. Seemingly effortless, they made kalshi, globular water jars, out of an iron red earthen clay. The technical virtuosity and creative spirit of these potters stayed with me and had a profound impression on my future path. In high school, I enrolled in my first ceramics class and never stopped working in clay. My current work represents my involvement in raku and wood-fired ceramics that began as a student in Kyoto, Japan. Both functional and sculptural, my work’s primary focus is on anagama wood-fired natural ash glazed ceramics made and fired at my studio and kiln in Elkins, New Hampshire. I prepare my own clays and glazes with (sometimes local) materials containing the subtle hues of nature itself. My firings often take several days to achieve desired effects. The firing process directly influences the patina and character of the work, creating an earthy organic surface quality with the varied ash deposits and coloration. Exploring the expressive possibilities in porcelain and stoneware provides for unlimited opportunities to communicate subtle and nuanced ideas.

 

Jon Keenan and Beatrice Wood - 1995
Jon Keenan and Beatrice Wood in 1995

I met Beatrice Wood at home in Ojai in 1995 around the time of her 102nd birthday. I had long been an admirer of Beatrice’s life and work and the opportunity to meet her was unforgettable. I am most thankful for the opportunity to be back in Ojai to exhibit my work for the second time at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts and to be part of Beato’s enduring legacy. 

 


 
 

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is Open to the Public
Fri, Sat, & Sun 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.

8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Ojai, CA 93023
805.646.3381 
Driving Directions

Copyright © 2020 Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

 

News About Beatrice Wood Contact