Biography
Ernest Gentry was born and raised in Mississippi. He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Mississippi in 2003. Gentry received his Master of Fine Arts from Utah State University in 2010. He currently works as a ceramics instructor at Pioneer Craft House, and maintains an active studio practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. He works in iron-rich stoneware; pieces are generally fired to cone 9 but can be electric, gas, or wood-fired. Much of Gentry’s inspiration comes from metal work (African currency, Corinthian bronze armor) and mid-century modern aesthetics. His interest in metal, shows not only in the forms, but also in the aged patina-like surfaces he achieves through reduction cooling.
Statement
Making pots enables me to bring multiple interests into a variety of forms. Historical objects, modern design, and domestic considerations all inform my making process. My hope is that function, form, and the surface of my pots will bring the user respite. Clay presents the opportunity of constant problem solving, and combines my interests in aesthetic research and manual labor.
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