Larry Buller/MA/BFA University of Nebraska
Ceramic Artist/Teacher/Designer mailto:[email protected]
Welcome to my website. I teach ceramics at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Please take a look at the amazing work my students are doing! I will also be showcasing some the pieces I'm working on as well. I teach jewelry classes and will include some of those works as well.
At the end of my web site I have also included some things and places that have inspired me as an artist. For example, pictures taken from travels, of amazing food, nature, artists/designers and anything else that I think is really cool.
At the end of my web site I have also included some things and places that have inspired me as an artist. For example, pictures taken from travels, of amazing food, nature, artists/designers and anything else that I think is really cool.
Student work:
Ceramic Vases based on African Zulu Tribal Art
These hand-built smooth coil pieces were made by beginning ceramic students based on African Zulu pottery traditions. We used stoneware clay, terra sig and a variety of stains and oxides to provide a rustic finish.
My students were amazed at the level of sofisticatioin their pots reached and how satifiying it is to work on a larger scale.
My students were amazed at the level of sofisticatioin their pots reached and how satifiying it is to work on a larger scale.
Student Work Based on hopi ceramic design
Beginning ceramic students learned to make pinch pots, join them together with slip and create a hand-built spout. We used stoneware clay, white slip and black underglaze to complete these pieces. We looked at the ceramic traditions of the Hopi for design inspiration. These pieces were glazed with a cone 05 clear glaze to make them waterproof.
Advanced Ceramics "shoe" project
Students enrolled in the advance ceramic class sculpted these shoes from stoneware clay. We looked at the ceramic work of California artist Marilyn LaVine as inspiration. Most of the shoes are "life sized" with very close attention to detail. We used colored terra-sig and stains to give these shoes a very worn look.
Beginning Ceramics animal totems
Students created these sculptural animal totems through the additive and subtractive method. These animal forms were constructed after students did extensive research to find images that showed their animal from all angles. Students also did drawings to help work out final details. The clay was fired to bisque and then a variety of stains were applied to bring out the textural detail. Some of the pieces were pained with terra-sig and then stained with oxides.
Advanced Ceramics "Hump Mold" Plates
Students in the advanced class used plaster "hump" molds to create a set of three stoneware plates. We collected all sorts of glass: stained glass, bottles, clear window glass and after glazing the pieces we fired the pieces with glass in the center to create an amazing crackled surface. It was great fun to learn how the glass combined with the glaze to create interesting patterns! Note: These were not dishwasher safe! : )
Beginning ceramic "Seed Pod" Sculptures
based on the work of artist Alice Ballard
Beginning students researched seed pods on the internet and created some amazing interpretations based on images they collected. These pieces were constructed by joining two pinch pots together and then using a wood paddle to alter the shape. The next step involved using additive and subtractive sculpture methods to add interesting texture and detail. Students used slips, terra-sig and stains to add surface interest.
Ceramics and Jewelry Work by Larry Buller...
The following images are a few samples of the type of work I've done on my own or while taking some graduate classes as the University of Nebraska the last several years. I owe a hugh debt of gratidtued to Professor Pete Pinnell for mentoring me and teaching me so much about the creative process, clay techniques and glaze formulation. I have yet to "find my voice" as a ceramic artist. However, after working with clay nearly every day for the last 14 years, I can truly say that I am just as in love with clay as I was the day I started.
I have several goals for the future: 1) Continue to search for my voice as a ceramic artist and keep working hard. 2) Set up a studio space at home so I can work more consistently. 3) To continue to learn about clay process by attending workshops. 4) To consider taking the plunge and persuing my MFA in Ceramics.
I have several goals for the future: 1) Continue to search for my voice as a ceramic artist and keep working hard. 2) Set up a studio space at home so I can work more consistently. 3) To continue to learn about clay process by attending workshops. 4) To consider taking the plunge and persuing my MFA in Ceramics.