Body of Clay, Soul of Fire: Richard Bresnahan and the Saint John's Pottery

by Matthew Welch, Richard Bresnahan

"Body of Clay, Soul of Fire" will delight art lovers, potters, and collectors, as well as everyone who is interested in Japanese and Benedictine traditions.
Richard Bresnahan is a preeminent American potter and an ambassador for the natural environment. Reared on a farm in North Dakota, he graduated from Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and apprenticed as a potter in Japan. Returning to Saint John's, where he is an artist in residence, he built a massive wood-burning kiln, which, with its innovative flame flues and water channels, dwarfs all other North American kilns. By digging his own clay, using local seeds and hulls as glazing materials, and firing with deadfall, Bresnahan also practices a brand of environmentalism worthy of his Benedictine surroundings.

228 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no substitute for visiting the Saint John's Pottery and drinking tea with Richard Bresnahan, but Body of Clay, Soul of Fire is about as close as you can get to the real thing. Matthew Welch has put together a beautifully illustrated book which tells the story of Richard Bresnahan's life (as of 2001) and his philosophies on life, art, pottery, sustainability, and stewardship.

This book has something to offer regardless of your prior familiarity with pottery; experienced potters will probably rejoice at the level of detail regarding natural ash glazes and kiln firing (including diagrams of different kiln structures in the appendices), and even the pottery-clueless (like myself) may walk away with a renewed appreciation for all of the variables, considerations, skills and technical aspects that go into each completed cup or platter.

There’s more here than just pottery—there’s a way to live: a shimmering example of aligning your actions with your values, of building meaningful community, and of finding intentional balance.

“‘Having a plan is not so much about achieving a goal,’ says Dean. ‘It's about having an ideal and a philosophy about how you will conduct yourself in the process.’ In this regard, Richard Bresnahan—in remaining true to himself and his own beliefs—has conducted himself very well indeed.” (pg. 212)

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work. The combination of story, process and photography work together to bring a greater sense of the community that has come to support a Master Artist. A must read for potters, also for any artist or craftsperson.