Ian Beniston
“I have always been attracted to form, movement and function – the way a curve catches the eye, the movement of rich luscious glazes. Function appeals to me. I enjoy taking everyday objects and creating something that is interesting and beautiful, be it an art piece or a simple tea pot to admire and use every day. Then I go surfing”
Ian is known for his lustrous copper red glazes, use of bold colour, texture and clean lines to create timeless works of art and sophisticated tableware.
Working from his Sensei Pots Studio Gallery near Yallingup, in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, Ian has worked as a professional potter and ceramic artist for over 40 years. All pieces are wheel-thrown by hand and glazes meticulously developed by Ian in his studio.
The depth of Ian’s involvement in the process goes beyond creating each piece. He also builds his gas kilns and crafts most of the tools used for turning and other purposes.
Originally from Whangamata, New Zealand, Ian’s introduction to pottery came at the age of 17 when he answered a newspaper advertisement by a local potter for ‘a strong man to wedge clay’. Preparing and wedging clay, he quickly developed his feel for the mud, spending hours watching his employer at the wheel. Beginning with simple pieces, Ian soon realised he had both a talent and passion for pottery, showing a natural affinity with the mud.
Ian worked full time as a potter in Whangamata, before travelling to Western Australia in 1986 to follow his other passion, surfing. After four months living on the beach in Margaret River, sleeping in his homemade board bag, Ian briefly relocated to Perth to work as the potter-in-residence at the Tresillian Art Centre in Nedlands and then at the co-operative Norfolk Studios in North Perth. The dream to combine his two great loves, surfing and pottery, was realised when he returned to the South West of Western Australia.
In late 1987, Ian set up his first studio on Caves Road in Quindalup, supplying art galleries. He opened his own studio gallery ‘Sensei Pots’ in 1991.
In 2000, Ian was honoured to become a Queen’s Exhibitor upon an invitation to present several of his large forms to Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit to Western Australia. One piece was chosen to become a permanent addition to the Royal collection.