David Crane

David Crane Artist Bio

David Crane received a BFA from Northern Arizona University and a MFA from Illinois State University. Since 1980 he has been a Professor of Art/ Ceramics at Virginia Tech. He has served as Program Chair of Studio Art (2006-2008), Head of the Department of Art & Art History (1995-2000), and Director of the Armory Art Gallery (1990-1993).

In 1997 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern Arizona University. He is the recipient of a Virginia Museum Artist Fellowship and a SECCA- Seven Artist Fellowship Award. His artworks have appeared in over 250 national and international exhibitions. Reproductions of his ceramic works have been published in 6 books, along with numerous catalogs and periodical articles. His work appears in numerous private, university and museum collections. He has conducted 36 invited lectures and demonstrations.

Crane is married to painter Janet Niewald. Together, in 1982, they began to build their home, studios and small farm on 15 acres outside of Blacksburg Virginia. They spend time traveling, with a special affection for New Mexico. In recent years, Crane & Niewald have begun to collaborate on pottery vessels under the name NC Twain.

Always interested in western stock horses, David has been an avid trail rider, farm/ranch day worker, rodeo team steer roper, and most recently reining horse enthusiast.

Crane's recent work investigates the integration of geometric ceramic forms and surface glazes associated with functional objects. His work is generally wheel thrown and altered, then fired in a high temperature salt kiln.

David Crane Artist Statement

My ceramic work is part of the functional pottery tradition. The ideas in the work draw from ceramic and art precedents from a wide and diverse range of cultural aesthetics, regions, and periods. The historic cultural traditions of China, Japan, Europe, Native American along with 19th and 20th Century American art are all strong influences. More specifically the ceramic techniques and aesthetics of Song Dynasty Chinese, Oribe and Contemporary Japanese, Medieval and Contemporary English, Southwest Native American pottery and weaving, and Mission Style from the late 19th & early 20th Century Arts & Crafts Movement are of great interest. Without a doubt modern ceramics, sculpture and painting have also been a great influence and an inspiration.

Along with these artistic references is the inescapable influence of the human form and that of landscape and environment. Pottery at its heart refers to the human scale through utilitarian form. However, the influences of landscape are often reflected in forms, colors and surfaces selected for use in the ceramics. My work reflects the experience of two very different environments, the Appalachian Mountains and the desert and mountains of the American Southwest.

My goal is to create finely crafted, functional pottery that is well designed and dynamic. The aim of these designs is to create contrasting color and surface elements that work in harmony with the form. It is intended that this strong relationship of form and surface will lead to ceramic works that communicate a forthright confidence. For me, successful finished pots will be objects that are enjoyable to use and handle while being pleasing to look at and of lasting interest. Ultimately, works of this quality will enrich the users life.