I’m curious about the natural world in which we live. I use natural source clay as an inherent way to express my interest.

Artist Statement

My art is a reflection of my deep appreciation for the natural world. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds us. By doing so, we can all become more aware of the impact we have on the environment and take action to protect it.

My hope is that my figurative sculptures are a path to the natural world. There is a power in the work that emerges through the clay as it comes from the earth. It is the earth. Ceramics beg to be touched; clay has a warmth that allows the expression of the earth’s energy into our lives.

I use Western Canadian stoneware clay and paperclay to form each sculpture. After a lengthy drying process, I fire them in an electric kiln to approximately 2200F / 1200C degrees. I use pigments, stains, and oxides with porcelain slip (liquid clay) and other mediums like acrylic paint to colour each piece. I often add media such as found objects, gold, and encaustic wax. A small seashell I found in Central America, or a splash of gold invites the viewer to consider the piece in a different way. These playful touches add vitality to individual pieces.

I need to make art that expresses a joyful energy. I draw out that energy in the clay through the juxtaposition of rough and smooth surfaces, colour, and movement in each piece.

People have said that each of my sculptures seems to have a personality. I love to hear how the work touches my collectors’ hearts in that manner.

Biography

Bob Acton continually revives his 10-year-old self by poking under rocks while walking shorelines. He loves being in the bush (as he calls it) or in nature (as others call it) and the energy we share with the world around us.

He obtained his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. Bob developed an early interest in pottery but didn’t actively take it up until a back injury made him realize that life is precious and often fleeting. He realized that he needed to do what was important to him today, and not put it off until tomorrow. He then created his own art studio and began taking pottery classes. He maintains an active practice of learning through reading, taking workshops and training with world experts. He has learned from Dave Settles, Adrian Golban, Alessandro Gallo, Hayne Bayless, Adrian Arleo, Christina Cordova, and most recently with Brendan Hesmondhalgh in the UK.

When not in his studio, you’ll find him in his garden, cooking in the kitchen, listening to music, playing with his Labrador dog, or out in the bush. Bob and his family live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Living aside the Rocky Mountains fills his heart with ideas for his work. He is the Secretary of the Alberta Potters’ Association and the Partnership Coordinator of JazzYYC. Bob’s work is held in private collections across Canada.

Supported by

Bob’s work has been supported by Calgary Arts Development through the provision of a 2023 Artist Development Microgrant.

I live and work in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge that I live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Juried Shows, Sales, and Magazines

  • 2023 Art Market Craft Sale

  • APA

  • APA Stein Show 2023

  • PROST! CHEERS! APA Stein Show 2022

  • Artistonish - 2023

  • Art Show International - 2023

  • Shapes & Colours by Gallerium and The Book of Arts - 2023

  • Arts Aqui Gallery

Bob supports the Alberta Wildlife Association