Bob Bendzick

As a lifelong “maker,” I started my journey with clay in high school where my teacher, Dave Guentzel, told me “You have to loosen up.” My love of clay endured through college at Minnesota State University, Mankato, under the guidance of a wonderful ceramics instructor, James L. Tanner. I opened my first professional gallery show at the Hand of Man Gallery in St. Peter, MN, the week I turned 21. I then chose to use my degree as an accountant to practice as a CPA for 40 years. It came in handy while I was treasurer for the Minnesota Craft Council for a few years. Now, in retirement, I’m back to clay. I like elegant, fun, and often functional creations. I’m not a production potter and I don’t repeat my work, always trying to explore and move forward. All of my clay pieces have a measure of fun thoroughly mixed in.