Artist Statement

From an early age, the construction of useful objects out of available materials has been very important to me. When I was young, I would dig around in the garage and assemble pieces into, what I believed at the time, to be useful objects. Self-reliance has become a very large part of my life, in a sense of building out what is available. The writings of Michael Cardew have become a great influence on my thoughts of autonomy and functional ceramics.

My work references influences from my life, such as growing up sailing the Caribbean , as well as studying in Japan . These experiences are brought through the work itself, as well as the intent when creating the work.

Utilitarian ceramics play an important role in my life, as does food. Food is crucial to my health, and using handmade ceramics pieces to serve food complements the meal that much more. I feel that using these pieces enhances the meal and, in turn, enhances my life and the lives of others.

 

Biography

Jonathan Barnes was born in 1978, in Kissimmee , FL. From the age of three, Jonathan and his parents sailed the coasts of Florida , as well as the Caribbean , on their sailboats. In 1996, Jonathan graduated from Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando , FL and entered college majoring in wildlife biology. Realizing that this course of study was not right for him, he turned to art, and received his B.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 2002.