A plethora of cups
- Ehren's speciality is making ceramic cups on the wheel
- He learned his craft from Phil Cornelius, John Mason, Richard Shaw and Ken Price
- He uses digital tools to create images for his creations
After he was honourably discharged from the Marines, Ehren Tool took the GI Bill, a Department of Veterans Affairs programme, and started attending classes at a city college. "The plan was to find something I enjoyed doing," he says. Ehren took wheel throwing classes in 1996, and has been learning ever since. “Clay is a good material through which we can talk about war and trauma," he explains. "The creation process is quick and fluid, until the piece goes through the fire, after which there is no going back." Since 2001, he has made over 27,000 cups, many of which he created in his small studio in the basement of his house. “I would come home from work, have dinner and read to my son until he fell asleep. Then, I would work in the basement until I heard his footsteps going to our bedroom,” he shares.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I have found play and experimentation to be the quickest way for me to learn new things. I studied art at university, and I can still learn a lot from people who are primarily concerned with craft and tradition.
In my mind, craft without concept and concept without craft are both lacking. I could have been a more successful conceptual artist if I had abandoned craft. I could have been a more successful craftsman if I had abandoned concept. I am drawn to work that contains both craft and concept, and this defines my work today.
I digitally design images that I laser engrave into wood. Then, I press the wood onto my cups. I have also used 3D modelling software and 3D printers to make objects that allow me to produce sprig moulds. I still throw all of my cups and hand decorate them.
Yes, when our values and objectives align and there is mutual respect. I think collaborations can work with like-minded people as well as with those who hold very opposite views. I may be so repelled by someone’s work that it pushes me further in the direction I needed to go.
