Ceramics Master Brings "Spirit Vessels" To Bigfork
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For over thirty years Robert Behr has actively pursued the art of Ceramics. From his first pottery course in high school to completing college at Colorado State University with a degree in Art, Robert has evolved from a full-time production potter doing functional pottery, to creating one-of-a-kind decorative art pieces selling in high-end galleries throughout the country.At the present, he and his wife, Leah, work together to produce each original vessel that tributes the wildlife and reflects the idyllic lifestyle they enjoy high in the Crazy Mountains of Montana.Each "Spirit Vessel" is thrown in one to four sections using multiple wheels, taking several days. When the clay is leather hard, the sections are put together on a single wheel and allowed to dry for a month.The first firing is called a "bisque," a firing that lasts 8 hours to harden the clay so it can be handled and glazed. Leah creates and tests the glazes, using thirty percent wood ash from their wood burning stove and numerous glaze materials, then makes the final application. |
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Back for a second firing to 2350 degrees Fahrenheit (cone
12), reaching that of porcelain temperatures--this firing takes up to
16 hours to complete.Cooling takes several more days and the vessel is
then ready for the embellishing of beads, bones, antlers and found artifacts.
The animal figures are original works of art on their own. The initial
carving is completed followed by the making of a master mold, and multiples
are then produced in bronze or ceramic. From a ball of clay to the final
rendering, the process of each art piece can take up to two months to
complete. There are only a few artists today working in this medium of
producing large-scale, high-fired stoneware.
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"For over twenty-five years I have actively pursued the art of Ceramics,"
Behr explained."From salt glaze, raku, wood-fired porcelain, to ash
glazes; and incorporating cast bronze, hand-carved bone, antler, beads
and found artifacts, I search for the expression of the essence of the
wilderness and the refinement of civilization that characterizes contemporary
man."While living in Montana, with special admiration for the abundant
wildlife and enjoying the process of using these materials, Robert and
Leah continue to discover themselves through the making of art. A significant
selection of Robert & Leah's work is now available for viewing and purchase
at Mary Stayton's Buffalo Trails Gallery. The next time you're in the
Village stop by and see this impressive work. For pricing information
contact Buffalo Trails Gallery at 837-3790 or |
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These mug looking pottery pieces are actually luminaries designed to hold a votive candle inside. The bear paw openings allow the light to emerge from the sides as well as the top, great for mood lighting! The handle makes them easy to carry around. |
