Ian Bassett

bio

Ian Bassett is a visual artist and potter living in The San Francisco East Bay. He was born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Connecticut on Long Island Sound. He received his BFA in Ceramics from the New Hampshire Institute of Art, a Post Baccalaureate in Ceramics from Hood College and his MFA in ceramics from Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Crafts.

He currently is a Lecturer at Sonoma State College and an Adjunct Professor at Los Medanos College. In the past he has taught at Diablo Valley College, was the Studio Technician at Art Academy University and the Ceramics Studio Manager at Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist Residencies.

artist statement

My work explores simple utilitarian forms designed to be used every day. I find myself drawn to and inspired by traditional Japanese and Korean folk pottery. My pottery is a vehicle through which I seek connection to my culture. I am exploring traditional and contemporary pottery aesthetics blending with a modern approach and feeling.

Soda firing provides subtle, dramatic surfaces and colors that I find to be alluring. The tension creates a balance and sense of harmony that I love exploring. I am a mark maker hoping to capture a sense of movement, rhythm and calmness through the application of slip on simple quiet forms. My designs are largely inspired by the natural world and the forces of nature.