Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP

Ted and Dead

USA, 1997
The Clay Studio Collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date acquired:
Materials:
Porcelain
Form - Functional:
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Cast
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Mark Burns | 1950 – Present

Mark Burns is known for ceramic sculpture frequently composed of hand built, or slip cast figurative forms combined with small vessel forms to create trompe l?oeil narrative sculptures. Surface techniques include decals, paint, luster, mixed media, etc. Through his work, Burns often uses humor and popular culture to examine cultural norms of identity and sexuality. Garth Clark explains Burns work this way. ?Labeling Burn?s work ?Punk Art? is to oversimplify what are in fact intensely personal statements of the artist?s search for identity. Burns employs bizarre, exotic, and sadomasochistic imagery in his immaculately crafted works.?1 To this Burns adds, ?My work has always been the diary of my life?.2

Burns studied under Patti Warashina, Robert Sperry, and Howard Kottler at the University ofWashington in the 1970's.

The Clay Studio Collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Burns in other collections

TMP collaborates with the finest public and private collections of modern and contemporary American ceramics in the United States. Browse collections to learn about artists and their works. Reach out to us to become a collection partner.

 

Note:

These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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