1+1=1 Gallery > News > Bruce Kitts Featured Window Artist

Bruce Kitts Featured Window Artist

Bruce Kitts of Missoula, Featured Artist in Gallery Window

Our Gallery Family has Grown!

We are delighted to introduce Bruce Kitts to the Helena arts community, especially since Helena is such a devoted ceramics town. Joining 1+1=1 Gallery recently, Bruce begins with a gorgeous display of his atmosphere-fired pots in our large front window. Make sure to check out his artwork as you stroll downtown, and come in during gallery hours to see them up close and personal.

Atmospheric Firing: Chawan, Yunomi, Bowls and Vases

Bruce’s one of a kind pieces are the result of atmospheric firings, a labor intensive process that involves introducing elements to the kiln at extreme temperatures that flux out and create a surface, or glaze, on each piece. The work’s location in the kiln determines how much the atmosphere has an effect, making each piece truly unique. No piece can ever be duplicated. Predominately using a mixture of baking soda and water, Bruce doesn’t hesitate to incorporate other elements such as wood and/or salt. Every piece encapsulates the spirit of these elements, revealing a profound story within the surfaces. The work displays exacting attention to ergonomics and functionality, taking care not to hinder the aesthetic value.

Bruce states, “My utilitarian work is not only meant to serve good function, it is meant to create an experience. This experience should go beyond the basic use of the object. It is meant to create an event that brings joy and a deeper understanding of the work. The work is not complete until it is put to use.

Much like my everyday life, I am just as enticed by the journey of my work as the destination. Using a vast array of materials and processes, I aim to create a surface that reflects a fascinating journey; providing a prodigious amount of information while provoking many questions as well. Through texture and form, I wish to make work that is both ergonomic and tactile. My ultimate goal is not to find a balance of aesthetic and functionality, but instead a harmonious synergy between the two that intrigues the viewer to closely inspect the work in its entirety.”

 

How can I purchase Bruce Kitts’ pottery?

Stop by 1+1=1 Gallery at 434 North Last Chance Gulch, to purchase Bruce Kitts’ artwork in person, or buy directly from our Online Gallery Store below, and we will deliver (in Helena) ship (almost anywhere in the world) or hold for you to pick it up.

 

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What is a Featured Window Artist?

Well, this year we decided to make rotating special exhibits in our large, front window.  It’s a gift to the folks who frequent downtown Helena. The featured window artists’ exhibits are street-facing, lighted and visible 24/7. Anyone can enjoy the artwork anytime of day or night. Every few weeks, we’ll have a different artist showing their work in the window. This is in addition to the regular exhibits we’ve always had inside the gallery and our retail Gallery Shop near the front. Our Featured Window Artist displays are one way we are adapting to the pandemic. We hope many local Helenans will enjoy these tiny exhibits!

If you see something in the Featured Window Artist exhibit that you’d like to take home with you, just go to our Online Gallery Store to purchase. Or call 406-431-9931 to reserve the piece and we’ll make it happen for you.

 

A Little Something about Bruce

Bruce Kitts received his BFA from SIU at Carbondale in 2009 that followed up with a two year residency at Terra Incognito in Oak Park, Illinois. He received his MA from EIU in 2012. As a member of the Illinois Artisan Program, his work has been displayed in various galleries and museums throughout Illinois. In 2015, Bruce left for the west coast where he was a studio tech and artist in resident at the Mendocino Art Center. Since then, his work has been displayed in several nationally juried exhibitions. In 2017, Bruce moved to Helena, MT to work as a studio potter and currently resides in Missoula, MT where he is a co-founder of Wildfire Ceramic Studio.