Tonya Rund, Khnemu Gallery Artists

TONYA RUND -  Artist Statement

Cycles of Nature, Earth and Sky

I enjoy hand building with clay.  The direct connection of my hands in clay, sculpting, adding, subtracting, texturing and smoothing is what stimulates ideas and connects me to a place I might not reach consciously.

Like the cycles of the moon, there is strong ebb and flow of nature’s current in my work.   The waves and moonlit forests pull you into that connection with nature; earth and sky, light and dark.

My work tells me a story that changes as I evolve; that speaks something different to me as I move through my cycles of transformation.  It is also important to me that a piece tells you a story; taking you on your own personal journey.  The open mouths on my figures, symbolize the voice within - the Divine Source.  It is through working with clay that I find my own voice. 

 Exhibitions, Commissions and Awards
        Spring Lake Public Library - 12 foot tile mural commissioned 2006

   Muskegon Museum of Art - Regional Exhibit 1998, 2000, 2002 Muskegon, MI

   Winterfest Art Show 1998 2nd place, 1999 and 2000 Honorable Mention, 2003, 2005

   James Brandess Studio - Gallery Stroll 1999, 2000 Saugatuck, MI

   Algonac Art Fair, 2002 - 2nd Place, 2003, 2004 - Hon. Mention, Algonac, MI

   Rockford Art Fair, 2004 Best of Show, Best of Ceramics 2006

   Hackley Hospital, Birthing Center - 2002 “Color of Hope” Muskegon, MI

   Art on the Riverfront, Grand Haven, MI - Best of show 2003, People’s Choice, 2005  

   
 Education and Continuing Studies

     Kendall College of Art and Design, ceramics - Grand Rapids, MI

    School of Art Institute of Chicago Oxbow, ceramics - Saugatuck, MI

    Muskegon Community College, - Muskegon, MI

    Bob Greene, Horizons Craft School - Williamsburg, MA

    Peter King, Architectural Ceramics - Pensacola, FL

    David Stabley, Grand Valley State University - Allendale, MI

    Jimmy Clark, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
    Brian Gartside, Crooked Tree Art Center, Petoskey, MI
    Eastern Illinois University BS - Charleston, IL 

Memberships and Affiliations

      Grand Haven Area Arts Council

      Michigan Potters Association

      Muskegon Museum of Art
       West MI Potters Guild