Ron Cook
“I frequently tell friends and coworkers that I am going to spend the weekend playing in the mud. In a sense that is how I have always approached my work. Never wanting to be to serious while enjoying the freedom to produce whatever form or pursue any style that may come to me each day.”
A common theme found throughout Ron’s work is grounded in a concept that goes all the way back to a senior thesis - Freedom of Clay. Pottery wheel work is not overworked, allowing throwing lines and natural textures of the clay to stand out. Hand built and extruded pieces maintain a free-form look from start to finish. Glazing techniques often vary from piece to piece with some work focusing on unglazed areas to show off the clays natural clay and texture. Others using glazing techniques to accent form and function.
Graduating in 1982 from Coe College with degrees in Fine Arts and Business Administration, Ron then spent the next 42 years enjoying a marketing career until his retirement in 2024. While retirement will provide more time for family, gardening and golf, it also provides an opportunity to explore the Freedom of Clay even more. RDCook Pottery studio is located on a quiet and inspiring piece of property in the country east of Liberty, Illinois.