Biography

Trent currently resides in Florida where is Associate Professor of Art in Ceramics at Daytona State College.  He is also is Chair of the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art (Dance, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Studio Arts, Theatre, World Languages, & World Religions).  He has worked in the field of Ceramics for 25+ years.  He is originally from Kansas where he earned his undergraduate degree before receiving an MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  Trent has worked as a studio artist, as well as an art educator in numerous colleges and education platforms spanning from California to Florida. He exhibits his work both locally and nationally and most recently has published "A Ceramic Guide: The Art of Creating and Teaching Wheel-Thrown Ceramics ​​which offers a thorough, well-organized, and detailed approach to the numerous aspects of the ceramic medium and the use of the potter's wheel as a mode of artistic expression with over 80 video demonstrations available. See link for more information: Cognella.com

ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is a celebration of the mysteries and magic of life.  I am enticed by the awe and wonderment of the functioning body and our perceptions of intangible experiences.  I express the mystique of vitality through surreal inspired compositions and by the tangible interaction between the maker, the object, the user and the observer.
Formal inspiration for my works is found in juxtapositions that create a heightened visual experience.  Some of these elements are ancient perfume bottles with highly ornamented tops that explode from the vessels; which convey growth, transformation, and reflections of internal strengths.  Others compare the gritty tactile experience of raw earth to the tension of voids between objects that intrinsically take on humanoid characteristics.
Conceptual inspiration is drawn from the enigmatic gift of individuality.  This is expressed through both questioning one’s physiological permanency, while still embracing a united instant.  This is referenced through images of the human body/bones, optical illusions and by the symbolism created through the use of utilitarian pieces that speak of camaraderie and of the communal experience of shared time.
I find the human mechanism and the experience of living life to be a great ambiguous adventure.  This adventure does not necessarily need to be explained but relished through the charisma of existence.  I enjoy the idea of the ambiguous unknown and allow my imagination to fill in the blanks between how and why.
Television Appearance:
Trent was a featured artist on CreARTivity, a PBS program where he was interviewed by Emmy award winning host Lou McNally.  He demonstrates on the pottery wheel and discusses ceramics and the ceramic program at Daytona State College.  
.
NOW AVAILABLE 
“A Ceramic Guide: The Art of Creating and Teaching Wheel Thrown Ceramics”
Over 80 Process video Demonstrations available.
Author and video demonstrator: Trent Berning
​See more at: Cognella.com