John Balistreri (born 1962) is an American ceramic artist best known for his large-scale sculptures. He is currently a Professor of Art and the head of the ceramic art program at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA.
John Balistreri | |
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![]() John Balistreri (right) assisting Peter Voulkos (left). | |
Born | 1962 (1962) |
Nationality | ![]() |
Known for | Ceramic art |
Born in Denver in 1962, Balistreri initially worked for his family greenhouse business, during which time he developed an interest in ceramics, building his first gas-fired kiln on the property.[1] He obtained an associate degree from Colorado Mountain College,[2] and later went on to study fine art at Kansas City Art Institute in 1986, before pursuing a master's degree at Kent State University in 1988.[3] He built a 30 ft kiln while at Kent State University, one of the largest in the country.[1]
In 1996, Balistreri was named 'Head of Ceramics' at Bowling Green State University,[4] with many of his students later becoming professors themselves.[5]
Balistreri produces paintings and sculptures, but he is best known for his large-scale ceramic works. He developed techniques for ceramic 3D printing using digital technology for which he received two U.S. patents.[6] His work has been exhibited at art galleries nationwide, including the Canton Museum of Art,[7] Denver Art Museum,[8] Daum Museum of Contemporary Art,[9] and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.[10]