Artist: Eric Beavers
Eric Beavers, MISSISSIPPI
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Eric Beavers makes his home in Nesbit, MS but was born and raised in Northwest, NM. The son of an archaeologist, Eric was raised learning about the functional pottery made and used by Native American potters indigenous to where he grew up. The culture and scenery of the American Southwest has influenced the handbuilding techniques and color palette of the functional pottery he makes. Upon moving to the Mid South Eric attended the University of Mississippi and Memphis College of Art for his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Art and now works as a full time studio potter. His current work emphasizes process through evident mark making and relationships between texture and color.
Pottery promotes interaction and its utilitarian nature is especially important to me. I want my work to be used and to play an active role in people’s daily rituals. From the solitude of Saturday morning coffee or tea to the fellowship of a tabled meal with family, I want my work to be present. I hope people will use my pots and use them often; allowing them to influence and enrich their daily lives.
I feel pottery should speak to the user about the artists intent and the qualities that can only be found in the handmade. My work emphasizes process by revealing the marks of the maker. Exposed seams and coils, raw tool marks, and pinches allow the pots to reference the history of the marks and techniques used in its creation. These qualities aim to reinforce the concept of handmade.
Education:
2012 MAArtEd, Art Education, Memphis College of Art, Memphis, TN
2005 BFA, Studio Art, emphasis in Ceramics, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Experience:
2018-Present: Full-time Studio Potter
2009-2018: Instructor, Gifted Art 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, AP Drawing, AP 2D, AP 3D, Ceramics 1; 2,
DeSoto County Schools, Hernando, MS
2013-2018: Instructor, Art Ed 361 Art for Elementary Education, University of Mississippi
2012-2013 Instructor, Art 1113 Art Appreciation, Northwest Mississippi Community College
Group/Juried Exhibitions:
2019
- Last Call 4, Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN. Juror: Carole Epp
- CUPful, Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmoor, NC.
2018
- Last Call 3, Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN. Juror: Brett Kern *Best Set Award
- Dirty South Cup Call and Competition, Alexandria, LA. Juror: Sam Chung
- Dogs Eye Gallery Second Annual Mug Show, San Marcos, TX. Juror: Kurt Anderson
- Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, East Peterburg, PA. Juror:
Ben Carter
- Material Mugs III: Underglaze, Companion Gallery, Humbolt, TN. Juror: Renee LoPresti
- Cup: The Intimate Object XIV, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainsville, FL
2017
- Last Call 2, Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN. Juror: Jen Allen
- Dogs Eye Gallery First Annual Mug Show, San Marcos, TX. Juror: Renee LoPresti
- Fourth Annual Cup Show, Jansen Art Center, Lynden, WA
- Material Mugs II: Conductivity, Companion Gallery, Humbolt, TN. Juror: Dick Lehman
- The Almighty Cup, Gandee Gallery, Fabius, NY. Juror: Liz Lurie
- The Art of the Drink, Butler Art Center, Butler, PA. Juror: Didem Mert
- Starbrick Clay National Salt and Pepper Shaker Show, Nelsonville, OH. Juror: Deb
Schwartzkopf
- The Cup, The Mug, Main Street Arts, Clifton Springs, NY. Juror: Peter Pincus
2016
- Material Mugs: Irons in the Fire, Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN. Juror: Justin Rothshank
2014
- Biennial Alumni Exhibition, Hyde Gallery, Memphis, TN. Juror: Richard Lou
2006
- Strictly Functional Pottery National, Market House Craft Center, East Peterburg, PA. Juror:
Tom Coleman
- Starbrick Clay National Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Nelsonville, OH.
Juror: Chris Staley
- American Craft Council Southeast Regional Juried Exhibition, Kentucky Museum of Art and
Craft, Louisville, KY. Juror: Bruce W. Pepich
Honors/Awards
- Best Set Award - Last Call 3, Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN. Juror: Brett Kern
- Honorable Mention - The Art of the Drink, Butler Art Center, Butler, PA. Juror: Didem Mert
- 2nd Place - Starbrick Clay National Salt and Pepper Shaker Show, Nelsonville, OH. Juror: Deb
Schwartzkopf
Publications
- In The Studio-Risk and Reward, Pottery Making Illustrated, November/December 2019
- Drink Up!, Ceramics Monthly Magazine, Aug/Sept 2018