Kent Kraus Studio    

BIOGRAPHY      

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     Working with clay has been the central focus of Kent Kraus's life since 1975. For over 31 years he has sold his work professionally throughout the United States. A Master Potter and Sculptor, Kent's classical training began in England at the Lowestoft School of Art for a Certificate in Industrial Ceramics under the tutelage of David Keay. His training continued at the Harrow School of Art in London, with a Higher Diploma in Studio Pottery, created by Michael Casson and under the direction of Jerome Abbo.

     In London, Kent was immersed in the Bernard Leach-Shoji Hammada movement. “I call myself a third generation disciple, since the majority of my teachers were directly influenced by the English and Japanese masters of the 1920's and 1930's.  It was a matter of good fortune to work within a philosophy that defined clay vessels and sculptures as objects that are 'born' rather than simply made. They challenged the conventional ideas of art and crystallized the concepts of Japanese beauty.”

     After three years in England, Kent moved to New York City where he expanded two major commercial ceramic studios: Baldwin Pottery and Clay Crafts Studio. Here, he developed and taught various advanced apprenticeship and training programs for aspiring clay artists. By 1980, Kent built his own 2,500 square foot studio called Clay-Biz Studio and Gallery. He created artwork for Bendel's, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and Gazebo's Department Stores, as well as numerous other fine art shops and galleries.

     Future expansions in 1985 led to a studio and gallery in San Diego, California. By 1988, Kent was attracted to the high desert region of Santa Fe, New Mexico where he lives today. Here, he began his current collection of handmade ceramic sculptures entitled "Desert Bloom."