3510 W. Univ. Pkwy.
Crete, Illinois 60417
(708) 534-5199
This former resident of the New Mexico Desert, master arts teacher,
and winner of over 100 awards of excellence in art events from
Chicago to the American Southwest - is one of the country's most
powerful forces in contemporary ceramics.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1933,
he received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in art education from the
University of Wisconsin in 1957 and 1958. He studied with such
legendary glass and clay artists as Harvey Littleton, Robert Turner,
Don Reitz, Dale Chihuly and Kent lpsen, then continued the tradition
by teaching art for over 30 years. One would be hard-pressed to
locate a first-rate potter anywhere from Illinois westward, whom
Phil Mundt has not influenced.
Mundt specializes in the process
of raku, an ancient Japanese form of pottery known for its spontaneity
and random results. His forms, however sculptural vessels, baskets,
containers, and wall pieces, - are anything but classical. Created
with a combination of wheel throwing and slab-building techniques,
they are free-form constructions that offer a richness of surface
textures for which their creator is famous. Often they are embellished
with copper earrings and handles, sticks, horsehair, feathers,
and bones. Many wear ceramic faces, collections of animal snouts
or other fanciful surprises. While the look is haphazard - funny,
creative and undeniably earthy - the off-the-wall appearance is
totally deceptive. Mundt's forms are extraordinary, and his craftsmanship
is impeccable. Inspired by primitive art from many cultures, he
creates one of a kind,
museum quality pieces.
He explains by saying that, "the
articulation of my work in clay is not generally verbal, but hopefully
is within the individual pieces that I create. I let the finished
product make the statement. I am constantly amazed at the ability
of clay to speak for me."
"I try not to take myself too
seriously, and I believe that my work reflects this attitude.
Fantasy, whimsy, obscure symbolism are tools for me just as surely
as the potter's wheel, the slab roller, the modeling tools, the
glaze brush and the kiln are tools; however I firmly believe in
sound craftsmanship, and I cannot seem to get entirely away from
the functional aspect of my craft. I want people to touch, to
hold, to use my work, not merely to have a visual experience."
"Perhaps this is an extension
of my own needs?"
All Images, Copy, &
Content are Copyright Phil Mundt 1998
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