Well it seems that I get around to updating my website about once a year now. During the COVID-19 stay at home order, updating my website was high up on my list. Now that we’re a month in, I’ve failed to update. Today that changes.
Read moreGonzaga Workshop
Last week I was asked to do a two day workshop for The ceramics department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. I had a great time sharing my hand building techniques with everyone. A very special thank you to Mat Rude and the Kreielsheimer Visiting Artist foundation. I’ve put a few photos from the workshop below. I look forward to my next shop!
Read moreOrigins
Origin is the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. In preparation for my show at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, I spent time reflecting on my own origin, roots, and life experiences. My ceramic career began 15 years ago at the Pearson Lakes Art Center where my work is currently on display. Taking that into account, this sense of nostalgia or “coming home” is the focal point of my recent creative efforts. The objects I crafted have a pronounced texture covered by bright colors that are worn down to reveal the raw earthenware clay below. This fabrication process creates a butter-soft patina and timeworn appearance in each piece. My hope is that viewers will handle the work and can connect with their own pasts…their origins.
Read moreOrigins Opening Night
Visual Arts Director of the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Morgan Aalgaard, emailed me photographs from the opening night of my Origins Show. It was such a great night to see all the friendly faces. Morgan took some really great shots and I thought I would share them with everyone.
Read moreOrigins Opening Reception
Thank you to everyone who came to the opening reception for my show, "Origins". It was wonderful to see so many friends and reconnect with familiar faces! Origins is open through December 31, 2014 at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
Read moreOrigins - By Bennett Roti
It has been a while since I've updated my site, a lot has changed in my life and there is a lot to look forward to! At the end of this month I will be having a solo show at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, IA. The show will run from October 30th 2014 - December 31st 2014. There is an opening night reception on October 30th 2014 from 5-7pm. It is open to the public and I will be present for the opening. Looking forward to seeing so many friendly faces. If you're in the area on the 30th please stop by and enjoy some art. Click here for more information
Read moreArmy of One: Army of None
A couple of weeks ago I was in the local Made In Clarkdale show. The Made In Clarkdale Art Show(MIC) 2012 runs for 10 days beginning the first weekend of December featuring the original art of over 50+ artists with a variety of mediums including sculpture, visual art, photography, and wearable art in all price ranges. I met several wonderful people, and had a really great opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones as well! We had a wonderful turnout this year, and achieved our goal in sales to put on the show for next year. I focused mainly on getting two new pieces I have been working on titled "Army of One: Army of None" which were a hit. I received several wonderful comments and had some very engaging conversations.
Read moreBlack work
I've decided to make some shifts in my clay bodies over the last few months. I'm really starting to enjoy working with a black "palette" vs the standard white porcelain that I'm so used to using. We've been really busy firing kilns out at the ranch and I was able to fire another salt kiln with Don last weekend, and I'm really happy with the results. Below are a few pieces from the past few firings.
Read moreRobert Roti
My grandfather passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at Northshire Residence in Spencer. In honor of his service and his legacy I crated a dog tag helmet using his original dog tags from WWII. Grandpa Roti was an amazing man and the piece is very personal to me. It's made of a low fire earthenware clay and low fire underglazes. I plan on making more work with dog tags in the future.
Read moreNew Work
I'm working on updating my portfolio and wanted to share some images of my new work and the work that is in progress. Check out the newest works below or check my ceramic portfolio.
Read moreStudio Triptych
I got to work in the studio today with Don. Don worked on painting a new triptych that is 15"x 30" x 1". I was also able to help work on some new jars which completed photos will be posted as soon as they are finished. While Don was painting I stood by and took some great shots of him from start to finish. Don starts by applying a "Base Coat" to give it a background color and then proceeds to apply the main imagery. These panels will be woodfired for about three days and will be fired to cone 13 (~2500 degrees Fahrenheit ).Check out the photos below:
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