GEORGE DUNBAR

          Mr. Dunbar was educated in Bozeman, Montana, receiving a degree in Industrial Design from MSU in 1969. As with hundreds of other potters, the beginnings of a career in ceramics started with the founder and head of the ceramics department, Frances Senska.

          Interested in the decorations and designs used to embellish pottery through the ages, George carves with small loop tools. Colored slips and glazes, applied with brushes and spray guns are layered to bring depth and interest to each piece.

          George has been working as a potter for over thirty years. He remains absorbed in the quest for what can be created with clay. Currently his designs reflect segmented, repetitive geometric incised carvings.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

          “My work is ever changing with each new discovery and encounter. Working with clay has been a surprise filled journey and not a destination. I could never totally cover the endless spectrum of ceramics in my lifetime. Each new piece becomes an entity in itself, a culmination of the experiences gained from all previous pieces”.

          Mr. Dunbar continues to live and work in Bozeman with a studio located in Painted Hills. Each year he produces hundreds of unique pieces. To this viewer, some of the pieces are two edged. A large platter seen in this gallery could, and maybe is meant to be totally representational (I have not talked to the artist). It outlines mountains – other lines so clearly etch the sky. But I turn it 40 to 60 degrees to the left, and I see something totally abstract, and extremely satisfying in this way. It is the way I would display it. It is purely up to the viewer as the artist has nothing to say about the viewer’s interpretation.

          Take a long look at these unique works, and see how very complex they are, even in their simplicity. This is probably part of this fine artist’s message.