Sean C.G. Kunz, b.1979, Edmonton AB.

Born on the prairies, but raised primarily on the West Coast in Victoria, B.C. I was always interested in drawing and design, with a particular awareness of profile and line quality. I returned to Alberta to attend the Alberta College of art and Design in Calgary in 2000, with the intention of getting a design degree from the Visual Communication department. In my first year at ACAD I took a ceramic elective with an inspiring instructor named Gary Williams, who assured me that I could in fact make a living as a ceramic artist. It wasn’t until my second year at ACAD that I started taking a serious interest in functional work, and specifically high temperature atmospheric firing. Inspired by visiting potters and a wheel throwing class, I began throwing pots daily. Slowly refining ideas and experimenting with off-round and altered forms, I began to develop a relationship with my material and the glazing and firing process. I enjoyed the challenge of balancing functional and esthetic components and the rhythm of working in the studio.

While finishing my BFA in 2005 I began looking for a residency opportunity where I could continue to make pots and gain some experience in the clay community. Harbourfront Center in Toronto proved to be a good choice, and working in Toronto afforded me numerous exhibition, gallery and teaching opportunities. In 2007, I once again returned to Alberta and currently work and teach at the North Mount Pleasant Art Centre in Calgary.