Reading Response- Citizen Potter and other article

It is really interesting to learn about the various creative ways that potters/ ceramicists have developed to make direct connections between their works and the public.
I am especially intrigued by the Empty Bowls project and hope to one day implement it within my own classroom.
Another project that was incredible to learn about was the clay water filters designed by Tony Flynn. Using cheap and easily accessible ceramic techniques to provide clean water to at need populations is a very beautiful thing.

Reflections on Art and Sustainability- Reading Response

I found this reading incredibly provoking. The definition of an artist and the role of art in present day society has become so complex.
For example, art is no longer confined to objects that can be displayed in museums and galleries. More recently, artists have begun creating works which cross boundaries between other disciplines, such as architecture, design, social activism, environmental conservation, urban planning and numerous other practices. In many cases, art becomes an experience rather than a single tangible object. One example is the 7,000 Oaks project that Joseph Beuys planned. His idea was to reforest an urban area with the help of community members, symbolically allowing nature to reclaim the space. This kind of work is so different from traditional definitions of art that it brings up questions about what distinguishes an artist from, in this case, perhaps a landscape designer? Is it even necessary to make a distinction? Is a landscape designer or environmental conservationist an artist? Why or why not?

Here is a quote from the reading that I found especially moving:
"To deal with new forms of human expression and action, critics and curators are continually trying to stuff them into institutional boxes where they don't fit. Old categories need to collapse before we can begin to create a different dialogue on aesthetics in sustainable culture. "

Maxim Velcovsky- Reading Response

It was interesting to read about Velcovsky's inspirations and intentions. His life experiences are so dramatically different from my own and add a provoking layer of depth to his works.
It is also remarkable that he decided to use design as a medium for social commentary despite a tendency towards "cheap, rustic kitsch for the Russian and German markets." It was very bold of him to pursue such unique goals in an area where there "was no design scene to speak of." His story and the success of the shop and magazine that he and his fellow designers were able to establish in the Czech Republic are very inspiring.
In addition, I love his work and the hidden commentary he embeds them with!

Clare Twomey

Clare Twomey is a ceramic artist who works primarily with large scale porcelain installations. Her works are very conceptual and she takes pleasure in breaking traditional ceramic conventions.

Maxim Velcovsky

Maxim Velcovsky grew up under the communist regime in the Czech Republic and draws much of his inspiration from his childhood experiences. Although many of his works initially seem ironic or humorous, closer examination reveals links to political and historical references. Often his work aims to point out contradictions.  

Allegany Meadows- Artstream- Functional Ceramic Artist

Allegany Meadows is a potter from Colorado who is interested in the search for beauty. He is also fascinated by how memories affect our associations with specific objects, for example, a tea pot.
He got his MFA at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and has received an extensive amount of recognition for his work.

Here are some examples of his personal work:

In addition, he established a traveling exhibition space within the interior of a Sovereign Airstream Land Yacht which he has named Artstream. It exhibits the work of contemporary ceramic artists and travels all around the country.
Here are some images:

http://www.art-stream.com/alleghany.htm

http://www.art-stream.com/library/

Lorena Barrezueta- Ceramic Design

Lorena Barrezueta was born and raised in New York. She studied product design at Parsons School of Design and graduated in 2003. Shortly afterwards she began producing "The Gourmet Collection," which is pictured below. She reproduces disposable tin containers in order to question our "perception of quality, value, and high end design."

She also designs jewelry and objects for special events such as weddings.

http://www.lorenabarrezueta.com/Dinnerware/GourmetCollection/GCintro.html

Julia Galloway- Functional Ceramic Artist

Julia Galloway is a utilitarian potter originally from Boston, Massachusetts. She studied ceramics at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University (BFA), and then went on to get her MFA at the University of Colorado. She is most interested in creating beautiful domestic objects.
She is currently a professor at the University of Montana.
http://www.juliagalloway.com/biography.html

Vipoo Srivilasa- Sculptural/ Conceptual Ceramic Artist

Vipoo Srivilasa was born in Thailand in 1969 and studied ceramics at Rangsit University in Bangkok Thailand (1994). He then moved to Australia to continue his studies at Monash University in Melbourne (1997). Much of his artwork seems to incorporate aspects of both cultures. He also runs workshops that allow the public an opportunity to learn about the ceramic process and collaborate on a variety of projects.

http://www.vipoo.com/cv.htm

Some of my Pottery

Reflect- 2009- Slipcasted Objects, Mirror, Table, Lamp

This was my first experience working with slip casted objects. I decided to comment on daily routines pertaining to appearance. I wanted people to interact with the now functionless objects and reflect upon their own personal beauty regimens.

Next- 2009- Earthenware

This is a piece that I created a few years ago while exploring the creation of multiples. At the time I was interested in the value of human life. I created approximately 200 ceramic babies and then dropped them so that they fell and crumbled to pieces.

Maxim Velcovsky and Stephen Dillon

 Uncomfortable Juxtaposition- Maxim Velkovsky

Untitled Figure- Stephen Dillon

I am intrigued by the "Uncomfortable Juxtaposition" seen in Velcovsky's works. The juxtaposition of opposites is something I have incorporated in some of my own pieces and I really appreciate the irony.

Dillon's works are very emotionally charged and the loose textural finish of his works is something I aspire to achieve. I have also recently become very interested in depicting human figures, particularly exploring the relationships between parents and their children.

Artists That Inspire Me

Two artists that I've been inspired by most recently are Viola Frey and Dale Chihuly. I appreciate the expressive quality of their work and the emotional impact experienced while viewing their pieces.

Vanessa Rivera

Hi, my name is Vanessa Rivera. I'm starting this blog to document my art work. More to come soon...