In a remarkable event for art enthusiasts and collectors, the extensive inventory of ceramics by artist and Benedictine monk Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007) will be sold at auction by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in Maine. The collection, created while Bezanson was part of the monastic community at Weston Priory in Weston, Vermont, will be offered in two sessions on June 28-30 and August 23-25, 2024.
Weston Priory, a community of Benedictine monks inspired by a tradition of prayer, manual work, and hospitality, has been the home of the largest and most important repository of Bezanson's work completed between 1959 and the early 1980s. The 61-piece collection represents the evolution of his artistic skill and refinement of his glazes throughout this period, and it has been lovingly cared for by the monastery since he left in 1983.
Brother Elias of Weston Priory expressed the monastery's sentiments, stating, "We have been guardians of this wonderful collection for over 40 years, but now is the time for us to share the beauty of this work with the world." Thomaston Place owner and auctioneer Kaja Veilleux added, "We are honored to have the opportunity to place these amazing works of art in the hands of museums and collectors who will continue to preserve them for future generations."
Bezanson, motivated by his inner spirit and renowned for his meticulous approach to his work, believed that each piece of pottery should speak of truth, beauty, and provide a spiritual experience for others. He drew inspiration from the Chinese ceramicists of the Tang and Song Dynasties and Japanese "Living Treasure" potters, including Shoji Hamada (1894-1978).
After leaving the monastery in 1983, Bezanson moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he later became artist-in-residence at Mount Saint Benedict. He passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional ceramic art. Bezanson's work is included in over 80 museum collections around the world, a testament to his skill and the impact of his creations.
When asked to identify a favorite piece in the collection, Brother Elias noted, "I don't have a favorite piece. They are all beautiful and wonder-filled pieces of ceramic artistry that are valued and esteemed by all of us brothers at our monastery. We have a collective appreciation of all our craftwork, indeed of all our work. What is done by one (or several) of us is done by all of us."
All items will be available for viewing at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries' website, www.thomastonauction.com, one month prior to the auction dates. Printed and virtual catalogs will be available, and live in-person bidding, telephone, absentee, and online bidding on three internet platforms will be available for each auction.
