Ceramic artists

Roxanne Jackson’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View her works

→ Read the interview with Roxanne Jackson, Artist of the month - June-July 2011

“In my work, I explore images of extinction, death and transformation. I am fascinated with the natural processes of decay and destruction—particularly when in conflict with human systems. Nature is referenced, not by depicting the virile stag, but by illustrating its inevitable decay. Valuing macabre sensibilities, I create sculptures that cross over the slippery edge of life into what might lie beyond.

An investigation of the unconscious mind and our inextricable link to the animal world may reveal certain truths about the human condition. “Lyuba Twins” is a purposely-ambiguous sculpture—the animals, although realistically rendered, are non-specific in species (are they deer, sheep, baby buffaloes)? They are also defined as neither alive or dead. The viewer is invited to interpret the sculpture in a similar way that a ‘subject’ is asked to interpret an inkblot from the legendary Rorschach Technique. As the interpretation of the inkblot theoretically reveals a description of the subconscious mind of the subject, the viewers’ interpretation of this piece may also provide insight.

Occasionally, I use imagery from horror films and the moment of transformation—particularly, when a human becomes a beast. This transgressive imagery creates tension in the work, especially when produced from the medium of clay—with its strong historical ties to comfort and beauty. Rooted in traditions of pantheism and superstition, the horror movie depicts a dark side of human nature. Mutated creatures, such as the ravenous werewolf, are created in the murky depths of our collective subconscious. These images ride the boundaries between animal and human, instinct and reason, the conscious and the subconscious.

In a more humorous tone, recent pieces such as “Hoof Heels” also evoke our inextricable link to the animal world. The heels are inspired by both contemporary fashion trends  (Designer AF Vandevorst) and ancient folklore (Pan). They imply that the fashion-conscious viewer can easily embody the primal, animal self.

This investigation reveals the honesty of humanity. Embracing all aspects of ourselves, taking a closer look at the “shadow side” of the human condition is my attempt to discover truth. This truth stems from acknowledging our imperfections and recognizing humanness (and dignity). Comprised of evocative, poignant layers of meaning, I invite the viewer to contemplate what it means to be human, to connect with a deeper side of oneself.” Roxanne Jackson

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Keith Schneider’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View his works

Keith Schneider is a ceramic artist and Art Professor who lives and works in Arcata, on the northern California coast. He received his MFA degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1985, and has been teaching ceramics and drawing at Humboldt State University since 1988. Keith’s ceramic figures are exhibited throughout the United States, and he has won numerous awards, including first place in Feats of Clay 2003, a prestigious international ceramics competition. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Ceramics Monthly magazine, and his work was also featured in 2010 at SOFA exhibition (Sculpture Objects and Functional Art) in Chicago.

“I am most interested in things that “wear” their history: objects, or fragments of them, that possess a particular quality from being well-used. In my ceramic work, inspired by things I have scavenged, I often invent my own “found” objects and materials. I try to create in them a sense of age comparable to actual objects I have collected. The life story that each object could tell remains a mystery, but the hint of its past adds another layer of richness to my pieces.” Keith Schneider

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Celeste Bouvier’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View her works

Celeste Bouvier is a ceramic artist from South Florida. She has worked with clay for nearly ten years, earning her local and regional attention. She specializes in ceramic sculpture as well as abstract teapot forms.

She recently earned a BA in Art Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA while simultaneously completing extensive studio work at the Art Institute of Boston in Boston, MA. Her work has been displayed at various venues in both South Florida and Massachusetts.

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Tim Scull’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View his works

Born and raised in Connecticut, USA, Tim Scull has actively pursued the ceramic arts for the last 20 years. In 2000, he opened Canton Clay Works, one of New England’s premier ceramic facilities. Since then, he offers classes for all ages in throwing on the potters wheel, as well as sculpture and handbuilding. His primary interest is in alternative firings which include wood/vapor firing, primitive - raku, saggar, pit - and crystalline.

Tim’s personal body of work concentrates on ceramic forms fired in a variety of alternative and primitive firing techniques who’s origins emerge from tribes and cultures throughout mans history.

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Kim Westad’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View her works

“After graduating with a BFA from the University of Connecticut, I began a career in graphic design. After a few years of working in my field, I realized that my need to create could not be fulfilled by sitting in front of a computer. A friend suggested that I take a pottery class and after a little convincing, I agreed.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that working with clay was what had been missing from my creative life. I started having dreams about throwing and not long after beginning that class, I left the graphic design world and a steady paycheck behind in order to devote all of my time and attention to ceramics. Initially, that meant washing the studio floor at Creative Arts Workshop in exchange for extra studio time. The following year, I moved to Brooklyn where I worked for and alongside several well established potters and ceramic artists. In May 2004, I set up my own studio and began designing and producing a body of work.

In keeping with my love of throwing, all of my pieces still begin on the wheel. My formal art training, the human body, nature and modern industrial design and architecture all have an impact on my work. These influences have served as important references in my experimentation of the altering and reconstruction of traditional forms. Form is the most important aspect of my pieces which I augment by manipulating fluid lines and curves to enhance the beauty and function of each piece.” Kim Westad

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Sara Paloma’s profile on Ceramics Now Magazine - View her works

Raised in Southern California, Sara Paloma was forced to take her first pottery class as a requirement for a teaching degree. Falling instantly in love with the medium, she began setting up her own basement studio upon graduation from Cal State long Beach in 1995. After years of sharpening her craft in the offhours of jobs in animation and museums, Sara is now a full-time ceramist.

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