Ceramicist Brian Burgess crafts evocative pottery inspired by the North Fork’s dramatic, rocky shoreline and ancient sedimentary rocks. A decade ago, his first visit ignited a profound connection to the area’s geological story, transforming beachcombing with his father into a deep fascination with glaciers and shoreline formations. He vividly embodies this in his “Geo Pots” using colored slip and etched patterns to evoke the layers of sedimentary rocks found “all over my favorite beaches.” Burgess embraces an “organic approach to mark-making,” using unconventional tools to mimic sediment lines, finding joy in design despite his “naturally unsteady hand.” After decades in corporate consulting, teaching “big organizations how to capture the hearts and minds of employees,” a deeper calling led the 53-year-old to clay three years ago. He’s now joyfully “reinventing myself by drawing to the surface the artist within.”
Tools of the trade.
A small vase begins to take shape on the potter’s wheel.
Burgess’s “Geo pot”, painted in black terra sigillata and carved to evoke the sedimentary rocks scattered throughout the North Fork of Long Island.
Burgess’s corporate acumen, far from being left behind, now bolsters his artistic pursuit, guiding his meticulous planning, narrative communication, and the delicate balance of creative commerce. Though he began on the potter’s wheel, he’s increasingly drawn to hand-building, finding liberation in “overcoming the fear that you’re going to screw something up and just get in there and push through.” This evolution revealed his true nature as “more of a collaborator than I thought I was,” thriving within the North Fork’s vibrant artisan community, crafting bespoke pieces like shellfish plates and spoon rests for local businesses.
His collection of pots and vases now graces the South Fork, notably available in the Parrish Art Museum’s gift shop—a testament to the vital mission of championing local East End artists over mass-produced goods. This journey, rich in creative growth and profound connections, underscores a deeper truth Burgess discovered. While his initial draw to pottery was “for the gadgets I love,” the realization that “your hands are the most important tool you have” forged his most personal connection to the clay. His advice is clear and encouraging for those yearning to explore their artistic depths: “Start small. Experiment, practice, let your perspective evolve, and don’t wait for perfection. But above all, find your community.”