Ben Gufford Ceramics



Ben Gufford Ceramics

About The Artist

Ben Gufford • Wilson, NC
Ceramics • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

Through my formative years of study, I had the privilege of studying under esteemed clay artists at the local, regional, national, and international levels. These immersive experiences fueled my passion for the art and craft of clay, prompting me to the level of gallery exhibitions. In pursuit of honing my skills, I pursued a dual educational path and obtained two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in 1999 and 2000—one in ceramics and the other in graphic design. Since 2001, I have been actively engaged in both creating art and imparting knowledge within the public school system. Working with traditional techniques as well as exploring emerging mediums allows me to share diverse perspectives, blending the wisdom of the past, the spirit of the present, and the innovation of the future, both in my artistic endeavors and my role as an art educator. Currently based in North Carolina, I derive great satisfaction from incorporating global influences into my work.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

I incorporate multiple glazing techniques, carving, firing, and forming with clay. My technical understanding of the medium spans the knowledge of Asian, European, and African ceramics with a specific focus on Korean and Japanese ceramics. I have studied, befriended, and learned from many great American ceramic masters, having gained knowledge and understanding that makes my work unique with a wide range breadth, and depth.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

My passion or connection to clay draws deeply from specific Won Buddhist principles in that I consider my creations and myself to be cyclical in nature. This is to say that as I am creating, I am being created. The psychological, theological and philosophical connections I hold to clay allow me the opportunity to speak with the clay what cannot be said in word or mathematics. Brain research as it relates specifically to clay and consciousness makes me sort of a 21st Century M.C. Richards of the ceramics world.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

My work is both traditional and experimental. I make forms that bridge old techniques to new concepts and ideas. I push boundaries with experiments with paint, clay, firing processes, and aesthetic. I am currently working toward producing wood fired pottery aesthetics in an electric kiln and experimenting with firing acrylic paints in an electric. I have taken advise and the lead from well known potters such Tom Turner, John Britt, Takuro Shibata and others.