MEET THE MAKER 

John Brighenti is an artist and designer working in raku and functional ceramics, as well as other natural materials in Brisbane, Australia.

Hi folks, I am originally from rural Connecticut, USA, and now based in Brisbane, Australia. I have been making things for as long as I can remember, and like so many of us, got my start in ceramics way back in high school, first as a student and then as an apprentice with an extremely talented sculptor and ceramicist. Since then, I have worked in clay and wood wherever I’ve found myself, and stayed engaged in the arts throughout my life. After a career in international development and diplomacy, I am once again making my way as an artist. This time in a new country with new materials and new inspiration.

I take inspiration from the natural world, taking cues from the unique colours, textures, and patterns all around us. Whether it is refining a lump of clay into a vase, or a fallen log into a bespoke piece of furniture, it is the designer’s job to excavate, refine, and showcase the materials afforded to us in our environment. This process allows us to bring the outside into our modern lifestyles, and hopefully serves as both a totem to the wonders just outside our doors, and a reminder to visit them more often.

In particular, I relish the elemental nature of ceramics- taking materials out of the ground, refining and shaping them, using fire, water, and an alchemy of materials to coax color and life and functionality into them is a special process. As anyone that has worked in ceramics knows, there is plenty that can go wrong in each and every step (and it often does), but when it works, there may not be a better feeling of satisfaction.

I hope you enjoy viewing and owning this work as much as I do making it. I’m always interested in hearing about customer experiences, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Best, John