Mark's interest in clay work was initially fostered during his childhood in Wisconsin. At the age of 10, his father purchased a piece of pottery for him, and ever since he's had a long standing love affair with clay.
After moving to NY in 1986, he constantly found himself surrounded by clay and ultimately yielded to it, working independently for many years. From 1996 to 2003, he attended the Westchester Art Workshop in White Plains, New York, studying under the guidance of Cliff Mendelson. In 2005, he established his own studio, Funkytown Pottery, and is now able to move clay and access a more creative life.
As for his work, he’s always enjoyed the creative progression and welcomes the challenges involved in the process. Pieces are either hand built or thrown on the wheel. Mark finds using the potter’s wheel an intriguing experience, in some ways representing the significance of evolution and change. Creations emerge which differ completely from the original state. His work is intuitive and unique, and is often referred to as "Rustic ware with an Asian flair". |
|
“Besides Asian influences, I also see a bit of middle eastern aesthetic in my work. It's a blend. I love blended cultures and grew up in a blended household, with a Norwegian mother and Lebanese father. I loved each culture and see that not much of anything I do is solidly on one side of any given line.”
Many forms are repeated throughout his body of work. Slight modifications, however, are indicative of an ever evolving style. Perfect forms are offset by other pieces with asymmetrical edges which, aesthetically, fit well together as a body of work. All work stems from a functional standpoint, perhaps with a twist.
|
