Tony Arru
Tony Aru is a passionate ceramic artist and educator with a deep-rooted love for pottery that began at an early age. From his first drawings to his hands-on approach to creating with clay, Tony’s artistic journey has been one of exploration and discovery.
His formal education began at Franklin Pierce College in southern New Hampshire, where he first encountered the transformative power of clay and fell in love with the craft. It was at Franklin Pierce that Tony discovered the unique experience of Raku firing, the tactile connection to clay, and the dramatic effects of fire on the finished piece.
During his time at FPC, Tony was also introduced to the art of wood firing, working with both a five-chamber climbing wood kiln (known as a “noborigama”) and a wood-fired salt kiln. These experiences, along with countless hours spent in the pottery studio, solidified his desire to pursue pottery more deeply.
After earning a BFA, Tony continued his journey by seeking an apprenticeship at Cornwall Bridge Pottery in Cornwall, CT, where he worked for two and a half years under master potter Todd Piker. Tony’s apprenticeship with master potter Todd Piker helped him refine his skills in throwing English-style pottery.
Tony teaches ceramics at Junk Pot and is an art teacher at Cheshire High School. He finds great joy in introducing new generations to the world of ceramics, nurturing their creativity and fostering a love for the craft.
“My journey in ceramics began with a deep curiosity about creating with my hands, and that curiosity quickly blossomed into a passion for pottery.
My work is rooted in traditional techniques, particularly English-style pottery and wood firing. The unique, unpredictable nature of wood firing—especially the anagama kiln—has profoundly influenced my approach to ceramics.
I’m drawn to the raw beauty that emerges from the fire, where each piece carries the imprint of the kiln’s flame. My work reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and the organic process of creation, and I’m always excited to pass that knowledge on to the next generation of potters.
