1934Born Pottstown, Pennsylvania
2002Died Bigfork, Montana
EDUCATION
1956BS Kutztown University, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
UnknownMFA New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York
PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE
1963-1970Director, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana
1970-2002Studio Potter
BIOGRAPHY
David Shaner’s functional or sculptural pieces are clearly rooted in the vessel tradition. The majority of his work is sturdy functional domestic pieces.
The work shows Shaner's mastery of the wheel and ability to choose the right firing technique be it a gas or a wood kiln. He was a master of combining clays and minerals to produce unique colors and combinations; "Shaner Red" is perhaps his best known color. His work reflects his deep connection to the natural world.
An interview with David Shaner conducted June 18, 2001 by Gerry Williams, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America is available at:
http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/interviews/oral-history-interview-david-shaner-13277.
Public Collections
Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, Alfred University, Alfred, New York
Americam Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona, California
Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona
Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, New Hampshire
Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell, Montana
Holter Museum, Helena, Montana
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, California
Missoula Art Museum, Missoula, Montana
Museum of Arts and Design, New York, New York
Scripps College, Claremont, California
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC
Bibliography
Clark, Garth. American Ceramics 1876 to the Present. New York, NY: Abbeville Press Publishers, 1988.
Held, Peter, ed. Following the Rhythms of Life: The Ceramic Art of David Shaner. Tempe, AZ: Arizona State University Art Museum, 2008.
Held, Peter, Ken Ferguson and Jack Troy. David Shaner: a Potter's Work, 1963-1993. Salem Art Museum, 1993.
Levin, Elaine. The History of American Ceramics: From Pipkins and Bean Pots to Contemporary Forms. New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 1988.