Ian Buchbinder seeks to create lighthearted, joyful ceramics that are sturdy enough to be a part of your daily routine. He finds endless fascination in process and repetition and enjoys discovering subtle ways to refine his craft. The "Astronaut Animal" series is part of his current mission to find a meeting place between his illustrations and his pottery. Each piece is handmade on the potter's wheel or from clay slabs. Once the pieces are fired, he paints designs onto each one by hand, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. Buchbinder received his BFA in ceramics from Rhode Island School of Design. Warren, RI 02885