Travis Berning is originally from Marienthal, Kansas. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Wichita State University in 1995, before continuing to study at the graduate level at the University of North Texas. In 1998 he returned to Kansas to set up his own studio and spent the next five years as a full-time potter traveling and participating in art shows throughout the United States. His work has been exhibited in shows such as Ceramics USA and published in Clay Times and Southern Living.

When you look at Travis Berning's pottery you can almost feel his life coming through in every facet of his art. His childhood on a farm in Western Kansas made him love the combination of hands-on physicality and sensitivity to nature that is so evident in the strong forms of his pots. In 1991 Travis began his college experience at Garden City Community College on a two-dimensional art scholarship in drawing and painting. After taking a class in ceramics, however, Travis realized he wanted to work with clay. His painting professor urged him to remain in the painting program but it was too late. He had a natural passion for pottery. He now lives and works in the Ashville, NC area.