Robert Salem- Ceramicist
Robert is a self-taught ceramicist residing in Southern California. He began working with clay in his teens and fell in love with the form and function of ceramics.
Growing up in California, Robert has always been drawn to the outdoors and nature. An avid hiker, backpacker and fly-fisher he immerses himself in nature and finds himself a curious observer of nature's shapes and textures. Always incorporating what he sees into his art.
"Inspiration is everywhere - shapes and shadows catch my eye. Working with clay provides an outlet for my creativity and a way to clear my mind. Just operate in the present. Like throwing a pot on a wheel, ceramics "centers me". I'm at peace, breathing slowly and purposely and in my happy place."
Robert creates ceramic pieces both on the wheel and using hand-building techniques. For Robert, hand-building breaks free of traditional vessels in wheel-throwing and allows him to explore shapes further.
Inspired by the coastline and ocean, Robert has recently explored mixed media combining wood and ceramics in his "wallflower" pieces - with elements of repurposed driftwood and ceramic shells in bright vibrant colors.
