Randy O’Brien

Randy O'Brien has been a full time potter for over two decades. In his own words he explains the fascination he has for working with this basic earthen material. "I find a lot of pleasure exploring the infinite possibilities in ceramics. My glazes are a three-dimensional surface. They add as much ... moreRandy O'Brien has been a full time potter for over two decades. In his own words he explains the fascination he has for working with this basic earthen material. "I find a lot of pleasure exploring the infinite possibilities in ceramics. My glazes are a three-dimensional surface. They add as much form to a piece as does the clay. I take my inspiration from the natural world. Lichens, mosses and mineral formations influence my decisions."
Randy's approach to ceramic art is one that hearkens back to the natural realm, drawing inspiration from Mother Earth.
The experiences he has garnered from the natural realm have played a very significant role in the overall development of his current style, which has received much acclaim. His vessels are very colorful and exhibit a crusty or mottled finish with deeply incised fissures that render a glossy obsidian like finish while the raised, colored portion resembles natural elements such as moss, lichen or bare earth.

Each vessel possesses a distinctly three-dimensional surface, with no two pieces exhibiting the same patterns. To create these very special effects, Randy uses a mix of volcanic ash and metallic oxides, which when slowly fired render this uniquely crusty appearance.

The distinctive quality and individuality of his ceramic art have generated a sizable following, a show in Hong Kong, inclusion in numerous exhibitions at Baltimore Clayworks as well as several solo exhibitions across the country. His work has been featured in Southwest Art magazine, Lark Books' "500 Tiles" and "Surface Design for Ceramics", "Experience Clay" by Maureen Mackey, Ceramics Monthly, Phoenix Home and Garden, ArtBook of the New West, and Sedona Monthly, as well as his pieces made special appearances on the sets of Dr. 90210, The Class, The Mentalist, Better Off Ted, and The Apprentice.

less