Artist Statement
Glaze investigation, exploration, and innovation is the focus of my ceramic work. This focus on the ceramic surface influences the ceramic forms I make, the scale of the work and my overall creative process.
During grad-school I realized that the technical challenges of many specialty ceramic glazes are the driving forces in my ceramic production. Since then I have re-invented and developed many ceramic glaze techniques and formulas which include: crystalline glazes, Shinos, iridescent glazes, photo-luminescent glazes, manganese-saturate glazes, and several types of luster glazes.
The techniques and formulas for many specialty ceramic glazes–found throughout ceramic history–disappeared when artists died or when companies were closed. Interestingly, many of these revered glaze treatments have been thought to be unattainable by today’s ceramic artists. Presently, I spend much of my studio time researching and deciphering how these challenging glaze surfaces were achieved. When breakthroughs are made, I combine the once “lost” information with contemporary materials and technology to achieve results that could be considered innovative. These new results are especially exciting when one considers the thousands of years of ceramic production.
Currently, I am focusing on luster glazes that were made popular by ceramic artists around the turn of the 19th century–mostly Clement Massier of Vallauris, France. These glazes pose a unique challenge due to the sensitivity of the glaze materials and the need to control the multiple reduction firings. These methods create the iridescence and imagery on the surface of the ceramic work.
Artist Bio
Brian Jensen holds an MFA in Ceramics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (Edinboro, PA) and a BS in Ceramics/ Secondary Education from Southern Utah University (Cedar City, UT). His ceramic work has been featured in over 130 exhibitions in 24 different states and in Korea and Denmark and can be found in collections worldwide.
Jensen has led workshops and lectured throughout the U.S. and recently, selected to present at the ISCAEE Conference at Dankook University, Korea. His ceramic work and techniques have been published in many periodicals, including feature-length articles in Ceramics Monthly. He is a Professor of Ceramics at Utah Valley University (Orem, UT).
Luster Bottle
Stoneware, in-glaze luster, 2020
Luster Flask
Stoneware, in-glaze luster, 2020
Luster Vase
Earthenware, in-glaze luster, 2020
