Mark Burns

EDUCATION

1972 BFA Ceramics, School of the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, Ohio

1974 MFA Ceramics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

APPRENTICESHIPS & RESIDENCIES

2016-2018 Artist in Residence, Harvard, University

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

---- Faculty, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

---- Faculty, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

---- Faculty, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island

1990-2015 Professor, Ceramics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada

BIOGRAPHY

Mark Burns is known for ceramic sculpture frequently composed of hand built, or slip cast figurative forms combined with small vessel forms to create trompe l’oeil narrative sculptures. Surface techniques include decals, paint, luster, mixed media, etc. Through his work, Burns often uses humor and popular culture to examine cultural norms of identity and sexuality. Garth Clark explains Burns work this way. “Labeling Burn’s work ‘Punk Art’ is to oversimplify what are in fact intensely personal statements of the artist’s search for identity. Burns employs bizarre, exotic, and sadomasochistic imagery in his immaculately crafted works.”1 To this Burns adds, “My work has always been the diary of my life”.2

Burns studied under Patti Warashina, Robert Sperry, and Howard Kottler at the University of  Washington in the 1970's.

Burns began his career as an illustrator which is evident in the carefully renderedtrompe l’oeil images that cover much of his work.  In 1979 Burns found work as a restorer where he became a master modeler, a skill he brings to the construction of his sculptures.  Each sculpture may require the use of various techniques including wheel thrown, hand built and slab made components.   

1. Clark, Garth. American Ceramics: 1987 to the Present, revised edition. New York, NY: Abbeville Press Publishers, 1987.

2. https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/people/mark-burns- cited September 29, 2018-3:57PM.