Thomas BIERI (b. 1966)
Medium: Ceramics

Tom is a Sonoma County resident long active in counseling programs for the youth. He has also been doing pottery
since he was twelve years old and has been a professional potter since the early 90’s. Tom’s current home studio,
Waterstone Pottery, is his third studio. The downdraft kiln that he built allows him to achieve the full potential range of firing atmospheres.
Warm, earthy colors are achieved when the oxygen level is reduce or choked by damping the flue. The flames, hungry for oxygen, pull the oxides in the clay to the surface
of the glaze. Lighter, brighter colors are achieved when the flue is left in a neutral position that allows for enough oxygen
to feed the flames without as much interaction with the clay and glazes.

Tom’s most recent work is inspired by the ocean. The ocean’s various hues of blues and whites are achieved by adding
cobalt to fluid ash glazes. The glazes are specifically developed to extenuate the texture of the swirling porcelain
slip that has been applied to the surface of the pieces when they are still damp. The ash component of the glazes are gathered
after Tom burns either Cabernet Franc grapevines or a variety of hardwoods. Every step of the ash collection and preparation process is done in a manner that allows the glazes
to achieve the desired fluidity.

Following the Japanese tradition of making functional art connects with another passion of Tom’s. As a gourmet chef
who often puts on high-end benefit Abalone dinners for various causes, he understands the importance of presentation.

It all comes together when Tom serves visually pleasing and tasty Abalone dishes on his ocean inspired bowls and platters
at events that benefit the work he does with homeless youth.