Artist: Autumn Higgins

Autumn Higgins, OREGON
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The search for approval causes daily insecurities and fear of rejection for many people. Because society places high value on confidence, many people hide their insecurities. I am curious about my own and other peoples' subconscious behaviors and worries. I use narrative images of people to express ideas of common misfortune, awkwardness and social discomfort, this illustrates our awkward and humorous nature relating common yet unclaimed behavior. The imagery, inspired by personal experiences and observations, is meant to surprise the user, encourage laughter and some discomfort.

As functional pottery my work forces the viewer to have an intimate relationship with each piece. My simple drawings and use of metallic luster is meant to draw the viewer in and entice them to take a closer look. By touching, eating and drinking from the pieces the viewer becomes the user thus having a personal and sensual relationship with the work. The user is brought face to face with the subject matter, and asked to contemplate and reflect on the emotional condition of the characters. My hope the viewer will relate to the narrative, and feel a sense of camaraderie with the characters.

EDUCATION
2010-2011
Post-Baccalaureate study, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
2003-2008
Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
1999-2003
Benson Polytechnic High School, Portland, Oregon

RECENT EMPLOYMENT
September 2010 - December 2010
Brand Ambassador for Freeze the Swamp Promotion, Ignition inc, Atlanta, Georgia
May 2009 - August 2010
Health and Beauty Aids Associate, Ashland's Shop 'N Kart, Ashland, Oregon
July 2007 - May 2008
Cocktail/Lounge Server, Omar's Restaurant Seafood and Steaks, Ashland, Oregon
2000-2010
(Annual Event) Blazing Salads booth at Oregon Country Fair, Veneta, Oregon

RELATED EXPERIENCE
June - September 2008
Working partner and member, Radius Studios, Portland, Oregon
January - March 2008
Teaching Assistant, Functional Ceramics Course, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
August 2007
Teaching Assistant, Southern Oregon University Youth Programs, Ceramics Course, Ashland, Oregon
July - September 2006
Ceramics Apprenticeship with Jean-Nicolas Gerard, Valensole, France

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2008
“8th Annual BFA Exhibition”, Davis and Cline Galleries, Ashland, Oregon
2007
“Escape: Ceramic Forms”, Department Chair's Gallery, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
2006
“Re-Bound:Trashion Show” Photography exhibition, Department Chair's Gallery, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2011
“Creatures of the Night” Mudfire Clayworks and Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia
“Point of Departure: An Exit show” Warp Haus Gallery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
“Intersection: UF Post-Bacc and Graduate Student, Exhibition”, Focus Gallery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
“Currents: Past and Present”, University of Florida Ceramics Alumni and Student exhibition, Thomas Center Gallery, Gainesville, Florida
“Annual Student Juried Exhibition”, School of Art and Art History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
2010
“If you are quiet enough, you can hear us breathe” Southern Oregon University, California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts, Davis, California
2009
“Southern Oregon University: Student Work”, California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts, Davis, CA
2008
“Annual Recent Graduates Exhibition”, Blackfish Gallery, Portland, Oregon
“Domestic Eggs Fly From Crashing Heads”, SOU Ceramics Exhibition, Retzlaf Gallery, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
2003
“Northwest Artists Respond to Global Warming”,Working with collaboratively with artist Lillian Pitt and other student artists for an exhibition at Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland, Oregon

AWARDS
2011
Award of Excelence, “Intersection: UF Post-Bacc and Graduate Student, Exhibition”, Focus Gallery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
2008
Fourth Place, Favorite Local Artist Category, in Best of 2007 Sneak Preview, Ashland, Oregon
2007
First Place, “Sound of the Skittle in a Chinese Vase”, Southern Oregon University ceramics department
2006
Kester Award recipient; Scholarship for Visual Arts, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
John Humbird Dickey Scholarship recipient, Scholarship for Visual Arts, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
2002
Grand Prize in Annual Photo Contest, City-wide photography competition, Advanced Camera, Inc. Beaverton, Oregon

MEMBERSHIPS
2010-Present
H.O.T. Clay member, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
2009-Present
Member of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
2009-2010
Club Ceramics Member, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
2007-2008
Vice President, Club Ceramics, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon
2006-2007
Club Treasurer, Southern Oregon Fine Arts Students, Ashland, Oregon

COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEERING
2011
Volunteer at the National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts Badge checker, and tear down for demonstration hall.
2010
Volunteer at the National Council for Education of Ceramic Arts, Collating and packet stuffing.
2009
Donations to Southern Oregon's “Empty Bowls Project”
Donated piece to William T. Colville Foundation’s Valentine's Day Raffle
2008
Donated piece to Southern Oregon's “Empty Bowls Project” Raffle