About the Artist, Bob Curwen
I have retired from teaching to follow my artistic passions in my home studio. I have spent 40 years living and teaching in Apple Valley, California (located 90 miles northeast of L.A. in the High Mojave Desert). I was an elementary school teacher and coordinator of the school’s ceramics and yearly Arts Attack event.
After a few semesters of ceramics at the local community college I began my clay adventures nearly 35 years ago. I’ve attended many inspiring workshops over the years by Warren MacKenzie, Ken Ferguson, Paul Soldner, Peter Voulkos, Rudy Autio, Don Bendel, Clayton Bailey, Don Reitz, Peter Callas, and Steven Branfman.
I began throwing mostly functional pieces before turning to my current interest of one-of-a-kind raku and saggar-fired vessels. I enjoy making wall pieces as well, drawing inspiration from the desert including local rock art/ petroglyphs.
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Like my raku ceramics, my abstract paintings exhibit a sense of freedom and spontaneity. My paintings are improvisations of thoughts and feelings shared while listening to an eclectic mixture of music from John Coltrane to Bob Dylan or Pearl Jam. I have no preconceived notions, directions or outcomes. I simply let the muses take over and direct the course of action.
My wife, Susan, and I have 5 grown children and 6 grandchildren and take great pride in connecting with them and sharing their endeavors. I also make time for road cycling and brewing beer whenever possible.