TORONTO, CANADA
Collection: BRUCE COCHRANE
ARTIST STATEMENT
Bruce Cochrane is a distinguished ceramicist, renowned for his innovative approach to form and mastery of high-temperature firing techniques. His work demonstrates a profound understanding of volume, proportion, and the structural qualities of pottery, often merging organic and sculptural elements with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. Central to his practice is a tactile engagement with clay; Cochrane manipulates the material to evoke warmth and intimacy, creating pieces that invite both touch and contemplation.
Cochrane’s firing methods are integral to his artistic vision. Known for his use of wood and gas firing techniques, he achieves distinctive textures and unpredictable color variations that elevate his work. The interplay between clay and fire is essential to his process, allowing the medium’s inherent qualities to shape the final piece, resulting in work that feels both timeless and contemporary. Through these techniques, Cochrane has cultivated a signature style that is tactile, dynamic, and deeply attuned to the materiality of clay.
Influenced by the rich global history of ceramics and architecture, Cochrane’s work is a reflection of these diverse inspirations, with his making process embodying their influence in both form and concept.
Bruce Cochrane is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist and recently retired Professor Emeritus of Ceramics at Sheridan College. During his 30 plus years of teaching at Sheridan he was instrumental in developing the Ceramic Program’s reputation as one of the best in Canada. He is himself one of Canada’s pre-eminent ceramic artists with work featured in public and private collections around the world.
Bruce’s studies began at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and continued in Alfred, New York at the New York State College of Ceramics where he received his Masters of Fine Art. Since his graduation in 1978 Bruce has participated in over 300 exhibitions, and shares his knowledge through lectures and workshops throughout North America.
His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art in Toronto, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa to name a few.
Bruce resides in Toronto and maintains his studio practice in Grey Highlands, Ontario
Bruce Alan Cochrane, BFA MFA RCA
Professor Emeritus Sheridan College
EDUCATION
1976 – 1978 New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred, N.Y.; MFA
1973 – 1976 Nova Scotia College of Art and Design; BFA
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2011 – Present Professor Emeritus
1978 – 2010 Professor & Studio Head
Sheridan College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
CERAMIC STUDIO ADVISOR
1999 – Present Mississauga Living Art Centre
1987 – 1994 Harbourfront Craft Studios
1983 – 1985 Harbourfront Craft Studios
SELECTED HONORS
Governor General’s Award – Nominee (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011,2014)
Saidye Bronfman – Nominee, Finalist (1985, 2000)
2004 John Mathers Award, Ontario Craft Council – Outstanding Contribution to Craft in Ontario
2004 Mississauga Visual Artist of the Year
2003 Elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
2000 Elected to the International Academy of Ceramics
GRANTS
Canada Council Travel/Study Grants (2001, 1994, 1986)
Ontario Art Council Exhibition/Research Grants
(2016, 2013, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1994, 1993, 1989, 1984)
SELECTED PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
Canada Foreign Affairs Department
Victoria and Albert Museum; London, England
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; Montreal Quebec
George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art; Toronto, Ontario
Royal Ontario Museum; Toronto, Ontario
Canada Council Art Bank; Ottawa, Ontario
Winnipeg Art Gallery; Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kansas City Art Institute; Kansas City, Missouri
Canadian Crafts Museum; Vancouver, British Columbia
New York State College of Ceramics; Alfred, New York
Burlington Cultural Centre; Burlington, Ontario
Nova Scotia Art Gallery; Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canadian Museum of Civilization; Ottawa, Ontario
Islip Art Museum; East Islip, N.Y.
Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute; Jingdezhen, China
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec; Québec City, Québec
Mackenzie Fine Arts Centre; Dearborn, Michigan
SELECTED MAGAZINE PUBLICATIONS
Ceramics Arts and Perception; 2007 Feature Article, #69
Ceramics Arts and Perception; 2003 Feature Article, # 54
Ceramics Monthly; 2003 Feature Article
Fusion; 2003 Cover Article, winter
Fusion; 2000 Cover Article, spring
Contact; 1999 Cover Article, spring
Ceramics Monthly; 1990 Cover Article, November
SELECTED BOOK PUBLICATIONS
Studio Ceramics in Canada New Majolica
Ceramics: Ways of Creation Tin Glazed Earthenware
The Ceramic Surface The Yixing Effect
Clay & Glazes for the Potter Ceramic Spectrum
The Penland Book of Ceramics
Contemporary Studio Porcelain T
Porcelain and Bone China
The Teapot Book
Functional Pottery
Ceramics of the World
SELECTED MAJOR EXHIBITIONS
Participation in over 300 exhibits since 1978
SOLO EXHIBITS
2024 Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery Waterloo Ontario
2022 Harbourfront Centre; Toronto, Ontario
2016 David Kaye Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
2015 David Kaye Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
2014 Dust Evans Gallery; Ottawa, Ontario
2014 Water Mill Gallery; South Hampton, New York
2013 David Kaye Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
2010 David Kaye Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
2010 Harbinger Gallery; Waterloo, Ontario
2006 Prime Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
2006 Lafreniere & Pai Gallery; Ottawa, Ontario
2004 25 Year Review-Burlington Art Centre; Burlington, Ontario
2003 Prime Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
2000 Studio 21; Halifax, Nova Scotia
1998 Prime Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
1994 Prime Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
1993 Pro-Art Gallery; St. Louis, Missouri
1990 Wesleyan Potters Gallery; Middletown, Connecticut
1989 Prime Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
1984 Prime Gallery; Toronto, Ontario
1981 Dexterity; Toronto, Ontario
1980 Ontario Crafts Council; Toronto, Ontario
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