Learn more about Functional Ceramics & Burke Gordon

About Functional Ceramics

At Functional Ceramics, we believe that mealtimes are sacred moments of connection and fulfillment, where the simple act of eating and drinking engages all five senses.

Imagine taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound coming together to create a symphony of pleasure. Now, picture these moments enriched by the presence of beautiful and functional ceramics. Handcrafted with love, care, and attention to detail, our ceramic pieces are designed to elevate your everyday rituals into extraordinary experiences.

There's a unique magic in the collaboration between food and ceramics – each inspiring the other, creating an atmosphere of creativity and delight. We aspire to inspire you to new heights in cooking and dining.

Our mission is to bring joy back into your kitchen and throughout your home, transforming it into a sanctuary of warmth and beauty. With every piece we create, we aim to make your house truly feel like home.

 Join us in this journey of artistic exploration, and let our ceramics be a part of your story.

About Burke

Burke Gordon discovered his passion for ceramics in 7th grade (2019) through an Introductory Ceramics class at St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas. What began as a class quickly became a creative obsession, offering him a unique medium for artistic expression. Burke dedicated his summers to mastering his craft in the St. Mark’s ceramics studio, where he practiced relentlessly, experimented with new techniques, and refined his skills. By 2022, his talent had caught the eye of the school, leading to a commission for 45 custom St. Mark’s branded pieces for a prestigious teacher and admission event.

As Burke's work gained recognition, he began selling his pieces, showcasing them at fairs, marketplaces, and soon, the St. Mark’s Student Store. Burke has also ventured into commissioned work, tailoring his ceramics to meet specific client requests in terms of color, shape, and style.

Over the years, Burke has expanded his expertise under the mentorship of renowned Texas Ceramicist Scott Ziegler and British Ceramics and Wire Sculptor James Ort. In the summer of 2023, he took his passion a step further by teaching ceramics at Brendan Court, a summer program for 30-40 urban middle school students. The experience was so rewarding that he returned the following summer, 2024, to teach both ceramics and English. That same summer, he traveled to Siena, Italy, where he further honed his craft and explored the world of sculpture. Burke continues to push the boundaries of his art, merging functionality with beauty in every piece he creates.

Awards Received

The National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition Foundation Award (2022,2023)

  • In association with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA)
  • Juried competition recognizing excellence in Artistic Merit, Achievement, and overall execution
  • Original sculpture “Entangled” awarded the Bailey Pottery Equipment Award and the Artistic Merit Award; featured on Foundation’s annual poster (2022)
  • Original sculpture “Forbidden Fruit” awarded the Student Participation Award and the
    Orton Foundation Cash Award; featured on Foundation’s annual poster (2023)

Young American Talent 2024

  • Received top prize for original sculpture “Entangled” at the annual juried visual art competition and exhibition for North Texas high school students; only artist to earn cash prize

JPII DFW Art Competition 2024

  • Received 1st Place Rita Briley 3D Art Award for “Forbidden Fruit”

Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Fine Arts Festival 2023 and 2024

  • Sophomore and Junior years invited to represent St. Mark’s at the nation’s premiere annual regional arts festival among independent schools