Sculptural Vessel

About Sculptural Vessel

This unique contemporary ceramic vessel is by Bruce Cochrane.

The striking clay artwork of this Canadian artist has garnered him international attention including several nominations for the esteemed Governor General’s Award for excellence. A master ceramicist, Cochrane’s ethereal work is wholly contemporary but inspired by the ancient global tradition of working with clay. At the heart of his work is a deep respect for aesthetics and a commitment to functionality. Cochrane has been firing clay for more than fifty years having developed a signature style that is often described as both ‘tactile and dynamic.’ He is known for using wood firing which creates the distinctive texture and rich clay colour variations evident in this vessel. Its unique hand sculpted form is both organic and geometric. An opening in the top is functional.

“I live in a house that is filled with folk pottery from our own North American tradition, China and a lesser number of European examples. I have been to Europe three times and to China twice primarily to get close to the museum collections for a better understanding, not to mention the thrill of being in the environment they were made in.” Bruce Cochrane

“No decoration is a form of decoration. I often look at (his work) and find myself muttering "how did he do that lid, how did he do that handle, how did he do that shape, how did, how did, how did.” Professor John Neely, Utah State University

Bruce Cochrane was born in Vancouver. His family moved to Montreal and there he was first introduced to ceramics in high school. Cochrane continued his education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design where he obtained a BFA. In the late seventies he acquired his MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Returning to Ontario, he taught ceramics at Sheridan College in Ontario from 1978-2010. He continues to hold workshops and exhibit his work internationally. In a career that spans fifty years, Cochrane has received numerous awards over the years and been nominated several times for the prestigious Governor General’s Award. His work has been exhibited internationally and can be found in collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art in Toronto and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA). Bruce Cochrane’s home and studio are in Markdale, Ontario.