Artist Bio
Luke Ott is an artist from northeast Pennsylvania. Born, raised, and currently residing in this picturesque landscape, he has established a profound connection with his surroundings that significantly influences his creative endeavors. Luke's journey in the realm of art continued at Kutztown University, where he pursued a major in art education with a notable concentration in watercolor.
Luke Ott has embarked on a passionate career as a high school art educator, imparting his knowledge and enthusiasm for artistic expression to young minds since 2009. Over the years, his teaching experiences have not only nurtured his students' artistic growth but have also deepened his own appreciation for the transformative power of creativity.
While Luke's foundation was laid in watercolor, his artistic evolution has been a dynamic one. An unexpected affair with ceramics has captured his heart in recent years. The tactile and malleable nature of clay has ignited a new dimension of creativity within him, allowing him to explore new forms and textures with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Luke Ott's artistic journey has been punctuated by a rich history of local exhibitions, where his work has resonated with the community's shared experiences and natural beauty. Recently, his artistic endeavors have transcended regional boundaries as he finds himself featured in national and international exhibitions most notably, the 2023 Strictly Functional Pottery National and CraftForms 2023 International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft.
With an unquenchable thirst for artistic exploration, Luke Ott continues to evolve as an artist, pushing boundaries, and blurring the lines between mediums. As he navigates the ever-shifting landscapes of creativity, Luke remains committed to both his role as an educator and his journey as an artist, leaving a lasting mark on both his students and the wider art world.
Artist Statement
My journey as a ceramic artist is rooted in the wisdom passed down from my father, connection to nature and tattoo culture. Through the medium of handmade, slab-built ceramics, I translate these influences into tangible illustrations in, as well as on, clay.
Currently, my exploration of illustrating on clay has led me to new territories of painting and screen printing with underglaze. Yet, my true passion lies within the anagama kiln where my work often teeters on the edge of sculptural and functional. Each piece is meticulously crafted to catch melting wood ash and the brush strokes of flame. The metamorphosis that occurs where wood, flame and earth collaborate to create these unique finishes is my obsession.
With every piece I craft, I strive to capture my father’s enduring lessons and my embrace of nature. As my hands mold clay and fire breathes life into form, I invite those who encounter my work to join me in the celebration of the beauty that surrounds us all.
