Artist: Chris Pickett
Chris Pickett, TENNESSEE
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The human desire for comfort is universal. In moments of uncertainty, it insulates us from anxiety and unease. My functional ceramic vessels cater to this hunger for physical and emotional comfort and gratification. Using nostalgia as a point of reference, I utilize form, color and design to evoke a sense of familiarity and solace. I choose visual language that is suggestive of the comforting nature of physical intimacy, relaxed interactions within a community, childhood experiences and personal domestic spaces.
The use of low relief stencils and compound mold systems allow me to articulate vessels with a specific formal language. With the appearance of being freshly constructed, the fullness of form allows these vessels to evoke a sense of play and ease. The generous volumes are metaphors for our own bodies that reference both the comforts of physical intimacy as well as childlike items, such as toys and stuffed animals. Exaggerated pillow forms create a desire to physically interact with the work, and voluptuous curves awaken our preconceptions of volume and what it represents: vitality, sensuality, generosity and abundance. With these vessels I provide the user with a transformative personal experience through use, rather than to address needs of utility, necessity, or convenience.
EDUCATION
2011
Master of Fine Art, Ceramics, University of Florida, Gainesville FL
Alumni Graduate Fellowship Award, summa cum laude
2001
Bachelors of Fine Art, Ceramics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, cum laude
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2013
Workshop and Lecture Presenter, Red Star Studios, Kansas City, Missouri
Long Term Resident Artist, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
Visiting Artist Lecturer, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR
Instructor, Advanced Ceramics, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena ,MT
Instructor, Beginning Wheel Throwing, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
2012
Arrowmont Surface Forum, Invited artist, presented lecture
Long Term Resident Artist, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
Instructor, Advanced Hand-building, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
2011
Graduate Assistant, University of Florida
Instructor of record, 3-D Concepts, Summer - An introduction to three-dimensional form and design concepts using fired clay; includes hand-forming techniques, an introduction to glazing (fired color) and electric kiln firing.
Instructor of record, Ceramics for non-art majors, Spring - Ceramics survey course for non-art majors covering basic hand-building and throwing techniques.
2010
Graduate Assistant, University of Florida
Instructor of record, 3-D Concepts, Fall
Instructor of record, Vessel Aesthetic 1, Fall - Intermediate level of technical, aesthetic and conceptual issues in pottery. Students study the formulation of clay and preparation of glaze materials. Emphasis on personalized expression through vessel form.
Gallery Practicum, University Gallery, UF, Fall
Instructor of record, Throwing Skills and Concepts, Summer - Introduction to wheel throwing, pottery from, functional design and aesthetics
Instructor of record, Throwing Skills and Concepts, Spring
2009
Graduate Assistant, University of Florida
Graduate Teaching Assistant, W.A.R.P Workshop for Art Research and Practice,
Fall - Interdisciplinary, team taught introductory studio experiences in a wide variety of media. In-depth exploration of creative processes principles of artistic integrity and the nature of artistic meaning
Graduate Teaching Assistant Advanced Ceramics, Spring
Workshop presenter, New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL
Visiting Artist Coordinator, H.O.T. Clay, Gainesville, FL
2008
Graduate Assistant, University of Florida
Glaze Lab and Kiln Room Technician, University of Florida
2007
Instructor, Art Reach Program, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, TN
Symposium Assistant, International Anagama Symposium,
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts,TN
Summer Studio Assistant, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, TN
EXHIBITIONS
2013
Northwest Ceramics Invitational: Form and Function, Kolva Sullivan Gallery & Trackside Studio & Gallery, Spokane, Washington
Ben Carter and Chris Pickett: Contemporary Functional Ceramics, Red Star Studios, Kansas City, Missouri
The Archie Bray Foundation Fellowship Exhibition, The Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
Medalta International Cup Show, Juror: Carol Eep, Medicine Hat, Alberta
The Archie Bray Foundation Summer Exhibition, The Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Mt
Distilled Essence, Charlie Cummings Gallery, invitational, online
The Archie Bray at 18 Hands Gallery, 18 Hands Gallery, Houston, TX
2012
Archie Bray Holiday Exhibition, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
Archie Bray Exhibition, Kolva Sullivan Gallery, Spokane, WA
Contemporary Clay Invitational, invitational, J Fergeson Gallery, Farmville, VA
Mugs for Jugs, invitational, Mud Fire Clayworks and Gallery, Atlanta, GA
Shirts and Skins, invitational, Amaco, Indianapolis, IN
Containment III: A Nesting Instinct, invitational, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, NC
Line: Far More Than Connecting A To B, invitational, Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph MI
Cups and Coffee, NCECA 2012 Concurrent Independent Exhibition, Fuel Coffee, Seattle MD, Juror: Dylan J. Beck
Studio 550 Invitational Cup Show, invitational, Studio 550 Art Center and Gallery, Manchester NH
Shirts and Skins, invitational, Baltimore Clay Works, Baltimore MD
The Ceramic Surface, invitational, Drury Gallery, Marlboro College, Marlboro VT
Arrowmont Surface Forum Exhibition, invitational, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg TN
2011
Hello Holidays, Invitational, Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph MI
Interpreting the Cup, invitational, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville NC
Cup: The Intimate Object VII, invitational Charlie Cummings Gallery, online
Cush, MFA Thesis Exhibition, University Gallery, Gainesville, FL
Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, Lancaster PA. Juror: Mary Barringer
Peter’s Valley Clayworks, Invitational, Moscow Clayworks, Moscow, PA
2010
Off the Wheel : A Showcase of Slab-built Pots for the Table and Home, NCECA
2010 Concurrent Independent Exhibition, Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, PA
2009
Currents, Focus Gallery, University of Florida, Gainesville FL,. Jurors: Anna Calluori Holcombe, Professor University of Florida, SAAH, Gainesville FL, Holly Hanessian, Associate Professor, Florida State University, Tallahasse FL
Cup: The Intimate Object VI, invitational Charlie Cummings Gallery, online
Panorama, invitational, Roswell Arts Center, Roswell GA
2008
Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, Lancaster PA. Juror: Linda Arbuckle
Lux Arts Center Holiday Invitational, Lux Arts Center, Lincoln NE
Winterfest Exhibition, Baltimore Clay Works, Baltimore MD
2007
Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, Lancaster PA. Juror: Malcolm Davis, Award for Innovation
Performances in Clay, invitational, The Gallery, Chattanooga TN
Coming Up Down South, Emerging Clay, Blue Spiral 1, Asheville, NC
2006
Performances in Clay, invitational, The Gallery, Chattanooga TN
The Elegant Table, invitational, Peter’s Valley Gallery, Layton NJ
2005
Cedar Creek Teapot Exhibition, invitational, Cedar Creek Gallery, , Raleigh NC
Salt and Soda National, The Clay Studio, Missoula, MT
2001
University of Tennessee Student Exhibition, Ewing Gallery, Knoxville TN
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2013
2013 Emerging Artist, Ceramics Monthly, volume 61, #5. P.55
2012
Strictly Functional Pottery National, catalog, p.24
2011
Inside These Walls: Domestic Intent, Ceramics Monthly, volume 59, #10, p. 42-45
Exposure, Ceramics Monthly, volume 59,#8, p.16
2010
500 Vases, juror: Julia Galloway, Lark Press p. 138
Up Front, Ceramics Monthly, volume 58, #5, p.16
2008
500 Plates Platters Chargers, juror: Linda Arbuckle, Lark Press pp. 332 and 369
The M.F.A Factor, Ceramics Monthly, volume 56, #9, p. 52
Strictly Functional Pottery National, catalog, p.24
2007
Strictly Functional Pottery National, catalog, p.23