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SAD CERAMICS
Sean  Robert  MacPherson

Based in Toronto, ceramic artist, collected globally.  I founded SAD Ceramics to explore abandoned works but quickly found myself adding to the collection. I stare at bisque-ware for hours and obsess over mark making.

Eploring the HARD and soft in the ephemeral world we share. 

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Artist Statement

My ceramic work explores various vessel forms, drawing inspiration from nature and the stark contrast between brutalism.  Having been a painter for two decades, I’m particularly drawn to creating wall-mounted ceramic pieces, often prioritizing narrative over function.

I explore queer spaces through the lens of nature, examining how they exist and are shaped by both natural and unnatural elements.  I attempt to capture fleeting, ethereal moments in illustrative glazes, freezing them in time within cold stoneware.  By blending botanical themes with queer terminology and locations, I gain a deeper understanding of myself and the complex history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, which currently stands at a crossroads socially and legally. 

Curriculum Vitae

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  • Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, London, ON 06/2006 - Current ​​

Internationally collected ceramic artist specializing in hand-built forms that blur the line between function and art, leveraging 20+ years of painting experience with a focus on illustrative glaze work exploring 2SLGBTQIA+ themes. Balances commissions with self-inspired projects, creating impactful artworks for galleries, private collectors and studios, contributing to and building numerous successful exhibitions and creative environments.

  • Ceramics: Hand-building large and small pieces, manipulating a variety of cone 6 clay bodies and glazes, slips, stains and oxides, glaze mixing, loading and unloading kiln cone 06-6.

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  • Multi-media: Using ceramics as the foundation, integrating wood, metal, glass and textiles complemented by painting and drawing techniques using various mark-making methods.

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  • Design Language: Focus on colour theory and shape with a strong emphasis on mark-making, patterns and textures.

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  • Exhibition: Design, curation, and implementation from conception, including social media presence, graphic design, and networking as an artist and curator.

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  • Coaching and Mentorship: Facilitating critiques, explaining techniques, glaze consultation, walk-throughs from concept to finished piece with emphasis on the original concept.

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  • Strong collaborative and communication skills: Enabling effective partnerships with galleries, clients and fellow artists for successful exhibitions and projects.

MENTOR: SAD Clay Collective, Toronto, ON

02/2025 to Present

  • Evaluated progress and provided constructive feedback to improve learning outcomes.

  • Guided in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.

  • Fostered an inclusive environment encouraging open dialogue and collaboration among participants.

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ARTIST: Self-Employed, Toronto, ON

06/2010 to Present

  • Increased personal portfolio visibility through strategic use of online art platforms and social media.

  • Delivered 35 commissioned pieces to clients

  • Researched and developed multiple collections exploring queer identity and Canadian land formations

  • Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and translate ideas into compelling visual narratives.

  • Mentored emerging artists by providing guidance on techniques and business practices in the art industry.

 

 

CURATOR: Glory Hole Gallery, Toronto, ON

06/2017 to 06/2020

  • Developed thematic exhibitions that promoted 2SLGBTQIA+ awareness and historical context.

  • Curated diverse collections to enhance visibility and promote community engagement.

  • Worked closely with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects that combined art and

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ history into cohesive exhibitions.

  • Promoted events and exhibits via social media, email, website, and ephemeral communication methods.

Diploma: Marketing

George Brown College - Toronto, ON

    • Graduation Dean's List

    • Student Association Anti-Oppression Practice Student Award

 

Bachelor of Arts: Film and Video Production

Toronto Metropolitan University - Toronto, ON

 

Certificate: Foundations of Art and Craft

H.B. Beal - Bealart - London, ON

    • Honour Roll

    • Peltzer Award in Painting

  • 2026 - The Things We Carry, CIRCA Atelier, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2026 - The Price of Clay, Metal, Glass, Thread, Craft Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2026 - Vernissage, CIRCA Atelier, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2026 - Be You, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2025 - Cloud Tourist, Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, London, ON, Canada

  • 2024 - L.A.B., Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, London, ON, Canada

  • 2019 - X, Y & Z, Nuit Blanche, ON, Canada

  • 2019 - Glad Day, Glory Hole Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2019 - From The Stacks, Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, London, ON, Canada

  • 2012 - Little Apartment, Nuit Blanche, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2012 - Chronology,Galleria 814, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2010 - EXTENDED (family) MIX, Propeller Gallery, Toronto, ON, Canada

  • 2006 - A New Start, Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, London, ON, Canada

  • 2006 - Don't Fall Asleep on Your Deathbed, The Arts Project, London, ON, Canada

  • Craft Ontario

  • FUSION Clay + Glass Ontario

  • Toronto Potters

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