His approach aims to slow down the viewer’s experience, drawing attention to subtle textures and the inherent qualities of his materials. His pottery often incorporates pared-back forms and subdued surfaces, creating a sense of quiet elegance and simplicity. These qualities are achieved through wheel-thrown techniques and reduction firing, both of which enhance the tactile and visual richness of his pieces.
Deeply inspired by Japanese aesthetics and contemporary design principles, Bert’s creations are both functional and sculptural. He strives to make each piece resonate within spaces, enhancing the routines of daily life with his refined, understated forms.
Describing his creative process as a form of dialogue with the materials, Bert strives for an intimate relationship that respects the clay’s natural “gestural language” and expresses a timeless connection between maker and material.
Bert’s work is particularly attuned to the idea of “material agency,” where the process of making becomes a means of connecting with the environment and experiencing clay as a living medium. His forms often include subtle details that echo his sensitivity to materiality, resulting in works that invite a mindful engagement. His bowls, jars, and platters have found a following among collectors who appreciate the serene, contemplative quality his pieces bring to interior spaces.
With his studio practice, Bert Jones continues to explore the potential of minimalist ceramics, creating pieces that are rooted in tradition yet resonate with a modern, contemplative sensibility.
