Robbin Harris

Robbin Harris is a crystalline ceramic artist based in Calgary, Alberta. A former jazz musician, Robbin’s creative journey took an unexpected turn in 2009 when a life-altering accident ended his drumming career. In search of a new artistic outlet, he discovered ceramics in 2017 under the guidance of Dave Settles at Fairview Studios. 

Robbin’s work took on new depth in 2020 after encountering the crystalline ceramic glazes of Jose Mariscal. This discovery ignited his fascination with the intricate beauty and unpredictability of crystalline glazes, which have since become his primary focus. Blending traditional techniques with relentless experimentation, Robbin creates pieces that embody themes of otherworldly beauty, organic inspiration, and cosmic exploration. His ever-evolving glaze recipes reflect a passion for pushing boundaries, striving for unique and mesmerizing results with each kiln firing. 

Through his work, Robbin invites viewers into a conversation about the fragility of beauty and the tension between creation and destruction, revealing the hidden allure in the unexpected. 

Artist Statement 

My work is a conversation between myself and the clay—a dynamic, improvisational dialogue a parallel to the music I once created as a improvising musician. In my ceramics, I embrace spontaneity and risk, allowing the material to influence me rather than strictly imposing my will upon it. This interplay results in forms that feel organic, with each piece reflecting the unpredictable nature of the process.