Artist Statement
Human beings are ephemeral; the relationships that we have are ever changing and the environments that we occupy are temporal and transitory. Tangible, beautiful events pass even when we are not aware. As an artist I focus contemplation and awareness on these fleeting moments.
I compose a subtle concoction. Translucent, fragile, hollow forms are held by a pillowing mass, a succulent drip. This is an ethereal moment; stillness preserved. This moment is transitory, yet temporally frozen. These ephemera, slowed, by my making continue to change along with our perceptions and experiences. The arrangements presented draw the viewer into an anxious situation. A tension arises between the fragility of the transitory figure and the passing of the ephemeral material. Often quickly dismissed, tension is not given time of contemplation. We often want the anxious and awkward moment to pass as quickly as possible, but if we stand in these moments that are familiar and new we will grow. Through this attention, given to the moments, we reconsider our perspective.
In my work I hold these moments, lingering with tension, seeking contemplation on the human condition. With melancholy and isolated undertones, a realization may occur from my work. Through recognition of our temporal and transitory nature empathy may be gained. Encouraging compassion, I hope that a better understanding of the absurd beauty of our experience will be realized. Caring, holding, and the will to nurture grow through empathy and this is the most important quality that I bring into focus.
Education
2007 Master of Fine Arts, University of Missouri- Columbia (MU)
Emphasis: Ceramics,
Minor: Fibers and Sculpture
2003 Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Wisconsin- Whitewater (UWW)
Emphasis: Ceramics
Professional and Related Experience
2009-2011 Visiting Faculty. Ceramics Studio, Art Department, University of Arkansas
Hand building 1, Wheel 1, Wheel throwing 2, Slip Casting, Advanced, Graduate Studies, Building Executive, arranging and hosting 2 visiting artists a semester, overseeing technician, graduate assistance and inventory.
2007-2009 Technician, Adjunct Faculty. Ceramics Studio, Art Department,
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
Taught Continuing Education ceramics courses including hand building, wheel throwing and post baccalaureate students.
2009 Visual Art Director for Art Amiss. Fayetteville, AR
2009 Installation Artist. DDP Gallery, Fayetteville, AR
2008 Instructor. Art Center of the Ozarks, Springdale, AR
2007 Studio Assistant. Sculpture, Anderson Ranch Art Center, Snowmass Village,
CO
2005- 2007 Instructor of Record. Three Dimensional Design, Hand building Ceramics, MU
2005- 2006 Instructor. MU Craft Studio
2004 Ceramic Research/ Lab Assistant. MU
2001-2003 Ceramic Research/ Lab Assistant. UWW, Ceramics Department
2002 Studio Assistant. Studio Artist: Tony Winchester, New Glarus, WI
1999- 2001 Studio Assistant. Production Company: P. Wakefield and Company, Cambridge, WI
