Neil Forrest

Neil Forrest is an internationally exhibiting ceramic artist and former professor at NSCAD University in Nova Scotia and the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHIO) in Norway.

Forrest recently completed a multi-year research grant titled Porøs in conjunction with The Oslo National Academy of the Arts. The project originated in how porosity mechanics work as expressive instrument instead of defect, and finds a phenomenological approach. Formatted as an architectural datum, it activates ceramic cisterns and objects into which liquid is pumped, filtered and revealed. The installation follows the tradition of grottos, inspired by Bernard Palissy’s grotto for Catherine de’ Medici in Tuileries…his emulation of Eden.

As artist and educator, Neil Forrest has collaborated with architects, artists, engineers and research institutions. Forrest has discussed his ideas for a new class of architectural ceramics internationally, participated in architectural competition proposals, and his ceramics have been published in books, craft magazines and architectural journals. As artist and educator, Forrest has presented at conferences in Korea, Scandinavia, Scotland, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States. Exhibitions include Overthrown at the Denver Art Museum, the Cheongju Biennale in Korea and The Washingtonian Service in Washington D.C.

Forrest has participated in a number of international residencies and has received artists’ grants from The Norwegian Artistic Research Council and The Canada Council including two Established Artist’s Grants and numerous travel and presentation grants from Arts Nova Scotia. Forrest received his MFA from Alfred University in New York, his BFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and diploma from Sheridan College in Ontario.

Visit Neil Forrest’s website and Instagram page.

If you’d like to learn more about Neil Forrest’s work, watch his videos on Vimeo (log-in required) and view this recording of his lecture at the Living Architectural Systems Group Symposium, Toronto, OCAD, 2019.