The University of Findlay - Chesser’s Ceramics on Display at The University of Findlay

“Contemporary interpretation of traditional functional ceramics,” is how Bruce Chesser explains his work, now on display in the Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery located in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion on The University of Findlay campus.

The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 8. An artist’s reception will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, in the gallery. The general public is welcome. Chesser’s work will be available for purchase.

Chesser’s inspiration for his ceramic jars, bottles, vases and bowls comes from many cultures and time periods including the Japanese Momoyama period and the Korean Koryo period. He also finds inspiration in early American salt glaze pottery and many others.

To create pieces with a surface varied in color and texture, Chesser applies slips and glazes to areas of unfired pieces and then fires them in a salt glaze kiln. The salt glaze is developed by throwing salt into a hot kiln. The salt vaporizes and combines with the silica in the clay to form a hard glaze.

“I prepare the surface of the clay with care, and then let the intense heat of the fire and path of the salt vapors complete the pieces. Many times the firing is a more-than-willing partner and produces effects that surprise and delight me,” said Chesser, an art professor at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio.