Robert Kastrinos

Originally a sculptor, I ventured into pottery to fulfill my desire to create functional art. The rhythm of the spinning potter's wheel allowed a flow that blended well with my years of musical training. I then discovered that glaze chemistry appealed to the mad scientist aspects of my personality. I take great joy in taking a lump of earth and turning it into something visually stimulating. I experience greater joy when showing my work. It is important to me to entertain my patrons. I love to come up with clever names or twisted concepts that allow me to invoke laughter, or, at the very least, a smile. I have been accused of being a comedian who just makes pottery to have material. There is some truth to that because, while I love to be inspired and create unusual work, it is the anticipation of an audience's reaction that motivates and energizes my actions. I am a native Floridian, having grown up in central Florida. I lived, worked, and studied in Naples, Italy in the early 90's. Being surrounded by centuries old art had a strong influence and motivated me to leave my life in corporate America and pursue a career as an artist.