Over the course of 30 plus years I’ve found the relationship between form, texture and glaze to be both challenging and interesting. The notion of the humble potter making pots for everyday use is very appealing to me. I don’t get too involved with the discussion of artist or potter when it comes to my work. Yes, I get great satisfaction when people enjoy my work, but it’s the whole rhythm in my life. Mixing family, work and friends fills the balance.”
Ira Jon Burhans received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1980. Ira’s concentration was in ceramic art with a minor in sculpture. During this period he served an internship at Clayworks Studio Workshop in New York City. Ira studied the numerous forms of ceramics, functional as well as sculptural and also explored many of the different firing processes that transform the basic raw materials used by a ceramic artist into their final forms. Currently, Ira produces a wide variety of unique functional wheel thrown stoneware pottery. The result of three decades of hard work in his Palm Harbor, Florida studio has culminated in national recognition for his pottery. His work is currently represented in over 100 galleries nationally and has been sold as far away as the Virgin Islands and Guam.