Artist: Eric Hoefer
Eric Hoefer, OKLAHOMA
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I developed my passion for the arts as a child growing up in upstate New York. My formal education in Fine Arts began at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute in Utica, New York. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. After graduation, I pursued post-baccalaureate studies at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York and then spent one year working in Las Vegas, Nevada developing my work at Tom Coleman's Studio and Gallery. I completed my Master of Fine Arts Degree in Ceramics at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois and completed a one year artist-in-residency at the Craft Alliance in St. Louis, Missouri. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Central Oklahoma where I teach courses in hand-built and wheel-thrown ceramic art. I continue to exhibit my work throughout the United States.
The timeless quality that can be found in ceramic vessels and objects drives my work; it is a strong reflection of humanity revealing our history, values and spirit. Clay is a uniquely intimate material that allows one to create through the act of touch. Its infinite possibility of abstraction and expression is inspiring. Historical ceramic iconography, modern painting, sculpture and contemporary design all merge together and inform my work.
Currently, My research has been in soda and wood-fired architectonic porcelain vessels. These vessels loosely resemble a variety of man-made constructions such as huts, domes, cathedrals, temples, and urban landscapes. There are interesting parallels between pottery and architecture. Each is ergonomically designed to relate and interact with the human body. They are not only functional objects, but they also provide an outlet for artistic expression, creativity, and imagination. In my mind, architecture is sculpture that is inhabited and pottery is sculpture that functions. Many of my vessels are influenced by Deconstructivist-Style architecture with the use of freedom of form and a visible display of complexity in the structure, rather than strict adherence to functional concerns and formal design elements. Unpredictability, non-rectilinear shapes, which distort and displace elements of the composition, controlled chaos and fragmentation are all features employed in the formulation of my ceramic vessels. The surface of these objects becomes a canvas, which allows for further expression and detail within the composition. The application of stripes, Polk-a-dots and linear and nonlinear graphic imagery at once unifies and fragments the form. At times this combination of form and surface can echo historical artistic movements such as Op-Art, Cubism, Pop-Art and Modernism culminating in Post-Modern statement.
Many of my vessel forms are abstracted. Form, color and line, are independent from any directly recognizable, visual references that attempt to replicate the appearance of a visible reality. The primary focus is to construct ceramic pieces that are vehicles for conveying ideas, which employ both historical and contemporary artistic idioms. The conceptualized visual-language in these ceramic vessels are both playful and unpredictable. The viewer’s notion of form, design and functionality at times maybe challenged. The ultimate objective of my work is to create a sense of wonder and curiosity within my audience. Engaging them in a spirited conversation with each piece.
EDUCATION
M.F.A 2007 Studio Art: Ceramics, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL
B.F.A. 1999 Studio Art: Ceramics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2017-Present Assistant Professor of Art in Ceramics,
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK
Ceramics Basics and Beyond I
Basic hand building techniques (coil, pinch, slab) Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
Ceramics I
Basic hand building techniques (coil, pinch, slab) Introduction to wheel throwing
Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame) Research topic and presentation
Ceramics II
Intermediate wheel throwing
Hand building and wheel throwing combinations Gas, electric and soda kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame) Electric bisque firing and loading techniques Research topic and presentation
Ceramics III Glaze composition and formulation
Student proposal for self directed curriculum
Artist slide presentation Show applications and shipping work
Shoot slides of personal work Independent kiln firing
Studio practice( mixing clay, maintaining glazes)
2011-2015 Ceramics Instructor, McKendree University, Lebanon, IL
ART 232 Ceramics I
Lecture on the origins of clay and the ceramic firing process
Research historical and contemporary ceramic arts
Basic hand building techniques (coil, pinch, slab)
Introduction to wheel throwing
Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
ART 332 Ceramics II
Intermediate wheel throwing
Hand building and wheel throwing combinations
Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
Electric bisque firing and loading techniques
Independent kiln firing
Studio practice (mixing clay, maintaining glazes)
2006- 2016 Ceramics Instructor, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, St. Louis, MO
ART 113 Ceramics I
Lecture on the origins of clay and the ceramic firing process
Research historical and contemporary ceramic arts
Basic hand building techniques (coil, pinch, slab)
Introduction to wheel throwing
Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
2014-2016 Sculpture Technician/Educational Assistant,
St. Louis Community College at Meramec, St. Louis, MO
Assist the faculty and students in Sculpture courses
Maintain and oversee woodshop equipment, including table saw,
compound miter saw, horizontal panel, router, band saw, drill press,
belt and disc sander, jigsaw, chainsaw, orbital sander and hand drills.
Maintain and oversee metal shop equipment.
2003-2016 Production Potter, Mississippi Mud Pottery, Alton, IL
Throw production style pottery
Design and create functional wheel thrown forms
Demonstrate wheel throwing techniques during studio tours
Assist in maintaining studio functions
2012-2014 Visiting Instructor-Ceramics, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL
ART 202c Introduction to Ceramics
Lectured on the origins of clay and the ceramic firing process
Research historical and contemporary ceramic arts
Basic hand building techniques (coil, pinch, slab)
Introduction to wheel throwing
Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
ART 305 Intermediate Ceramics
Intermediate wheel throwing
Hand building and wheel throwing combinations
Gas, electric, wood, soda and salt firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
Electric bisque firing and loading techniques
ART 420 Advanced Ceramics
Glaze composition and formulation
Assisted students in creating proposals for self-directed curriculum
Artist slide presentation
Show applications and shipping of work
Documentation of personal work
Independent kiln firing
Studio practice (mixing clay, maintaining glazes)
ART 520 Graduate Ceramics I and II
Content focused curriculum
Professional development (applying to exhibitions)
Prepared for Thesis Exhibition
Documented images of personal work
Independent kiln firing
ART 405 Seminar
Resume development
Documented images of personal work
Created PowerPoint Presentation
Researching job opportunities
Wrote artist statement, letter of intent, artist philosophy and
artist bio
ART 112d Visual Organization II
Lectured on historical and contemporary three-dimensional artists
Taught three-dimensional design topics with variety of mediums Demonstrated a variety of construction methods
Lectured on the fundamental design elements of sculpture
2011-2012 Ceramics Instructor, The Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO
Taught introductory level wheel throwing techniques
Instructed hand building classes for children
Designed and implemented syllabus for courses
Maintained all inventory of dry and wet materials
Mixed clay and glaze
Fired student's work
Cleaned and organized ceramics studio
2007-2009 Ceramics Instructor, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, St. Louis, MO
ART 113 Ceramics I
Lectured on the origins of clay and the ceramic firing process
Researched historical and contemporary ceramic arts
Basic hand building techniques (coil,pinch,slab)
Introduction to wheel throwing
Gas and electric kiln firing
Surface treatments (sgraffito, mishima, hakame)
2007-2009 Ceramics Technician/Educational Assistant,
St. Louis Community College at Meramec, St. Louis, MO
Assisted the faculty and students in ceramic courses
Mixed studio glazes and slips
Reclaimed clay in mixer
Maintained gas, raku, soda fire and electric kilns
Fired student's work
Maintained inventory of clay mixing
materials and glaze chemicals
Cleaned and organized ceramics studio
2002-2004 Instructor of Record, Art 202 Ceramics,
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
Lectured on the origins of clay and the ceramic firing process
Researched historical and contemporary ceramic arts
Taught introductory level ceramic courses
Designed and implemented syllabus for the course
Fired student's work
2002-2003 Instructor of Record, Art 112D Three-dimensional Design,
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
Lectured on historical and contemporary three-dimensional artists
Taught three-dimensional design topics
using a variety of medium
Demonstrated a variety of construction methods
Lectured on the fundamental design elements of sculpture
2001-2002 Ceramic Studio Technician, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
Managed ceramic studio
Repaired and maintained kilns
Bisqued and glazed fired student's work
Mixed studio glazes
Recorded inventory of raw materials
Maintained studio tools
2001 Studio Assistantship, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Constructed a wood burning kiln for the Ceramics Department
Portfolio development and research of clay and glaze materials
Assisted instructors and students in studio practices
2000-2001 Studio Resident, Tom Coleman Clay Studio and Gallery, Las Vegas, NV
Portfolio development and research of clay and glaze materials
Taught private ceramic classes to Clay Studio members
1997-1998 Ceramic Studio Assistant, Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
Assisted faculty and students
Mixed and tested glazes for the Ceramics Department
Maintained studio equipment
Cleaned and organized ceramics studio
EXHIBITIONS
2017 Cup Show, Clay Arts Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
2017 SLURP, Ramen Bowl Exhibition, Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO
2017 Conversations in Red, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, N.Y
2016 Teapots 10, Morgan Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
2016 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2016 Schlafly Art Show, Maplewood, MO
2016 St. Charles Community College, Invitational Exhibition, St. Charles, MO
2016 Influences and Inspirations, NCECA Conference, Kansas City, MO
2016 Lineage: 41 years of MFAs, NCECA Conference, Kansas City, MO
2016 Saint Louis University Invitational Exhibition, St. Louis, MO
2016 Interpretations, National Teapot Invitational, Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO
2015 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2015 The Small Ones, Cinema Gallery, Urbana, IL
2014 Central-Time Ceramics Exhibition at Bradley University, Peoria, IL
2014 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2014 Architectonic, Reese Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2013 Schlafly Art Fair, Maplewood, MO
2013 Group Exhibition, Greenville College, Greenville, IL
2013 Solo Case Show, St. Louis Community College St. Louis, MO
2013 S.I.U.E. Faculty Exhibition, Edwardsville, IL
2013 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2012 Art Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, FL
2012 McKendree University Faculty Exhibition, Lebanon, IL
2012 Artist in Residence Exhibition, Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO
2012 Teapot Exhibition, Craft Alliance Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2012 Sky High Tea, Lambert St. Louis Airport, St. Louis, MO
2012 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2011 Expressions to a Tea, By Design Gallery, Alton, IL
2011 Faculty Show, Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO
2011 Peach Street Art Fair, Atlanta, GA
2011 Brookside Art Fair, Kansas City, MO
2011 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2010 Laumeier Art Fair, St. Louis, MO
2010 Alumni Show, S.I.U.E. Edwardsville, IL
2010 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2010 Cherry Creek Arts, Denver, CO
2009 “Gifted”, PHD Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2009 Group Exhibition, Abstrak Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2009 NCECA Exhibition, Phoenix, AZ
2009 Faculty Art Show, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO
2008 SOFA Chicago, Chicago, IL
2008 Group Exhibition, Next Step Gallery, Ferndale, MI
2008 The Plaza Art Exhibition, Kansas City, MO
2008 Laumier Sculpture Park Art Show, St. Louis, MO
2008 Don’t All Rock at Once Ceramics Expo, St. Louis, MO
2007 90 Teapots Show, Xen Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2007 The Hand Held Cup, Main Street Edwardsville, IL
2007 Regional Ceramic Art Exhibition, Jacoby Art Center, Alton, Illinois
2007 Wood Fired Clay Show, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO
2007 3x3x6, Faculty Show, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO
2006 Solo Show, Forest Park Community College, St. Louis, MO
2006 Group Show, St. James the Greater, St. Louis, MO
2006 Group Show, Mad Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2006 Faculty Art Show, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO
2006 Ceramic Art Show, Rare Earth Works, Park City, UT
2006 Art East Exhibition, Mississippi Mud Art Gallery, Alton, IL
2005 Ceramic Show, Scenic Outlook Gallery, Raparius, NY
2004 NCECA 2004, Ceramic Art Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN
2004 Ceramic Art Exhibition, Des Lee Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2004 M.F.A. Exhibition, Wagner Art Gallery, Edwardsville, IL
2004 Art East Exhibition, Mississippi Mud Art Gallery, Alton, IL
2004 Graduate Student Show, Jurors Award, S.I.U.E., Edwardsville, IL
2004 Group Show, Main Street Art Gallery, Edwardsville, IL
2003 Friends of Art, Art Auction, Jurors Award, Edwardsville, IL
2002 Ceramic Art Show, Greenville College, Greenville, IL
2002 Graduate Student Show, Jurors Award, S.I.U.E., Edwardsville, IL
2000 Ceramic Group Show, Coleman Clay Studio, Las Vegas, NV
2000 The 2000 International Orton Cone Box Show, Baker, KS
2000 The 17th Annual Northeast Fine Art Exhibition, Schenectady, NY
2000 Ceramic Group Show, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
1998 Syracuse University Student Art Show, Florence, Italy
1998 B.F.A Exhibition, Sara Coyne Gallery, Syracuse, NY
1998 Wood Fire Exhibition, Eureka Gallery, Syracuse, NY
1998 Art Exhibition, Saratoga County Arts Council Gallery, Sartoga Springs, NY
ORGANIZATIONS
2012-2014 Faculty Advisor for Wagner Potters Association,
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Advised Club President on the Organizations activities
Assisted in developing visiting artist series for the department
Organized two annual ceramic art sales with students
2004-2014 Friends of Art
Donated personal works of art to auction which benefits the local Arts
2005-2015 Operation Food Search
Participated in Empty Bowls Annual Fundraiser
Created and donated Ceramic Utilitarian bowls
Assisted with event by serving soup in purchased bowls
2000-2012 National Council on the Education for Ceramic Arts
Participation in the annual conference
Attend various Ceramic lectures
Viewed Ceramic Exhibitions
2005- 2010 Clay Club of St. Louis Community College
Organized and setup annual pottery sale to create funds for student scholarships, visiting artist program and student field trips
Created various works in clay and donated them to the Ceramics Sale
2004-2010 ART/ EAST
Edwardsville/Alton Studio Tour Member
Participated in a showcase of regional artists in the Edwardsville and Alton, Illinois area
2001-2004 Wagner Potters Association, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Elected President of the Club 2003-2004 yr.
Elected Vice President of the club 2001-2003 yr.
Responsible for organizing visiting artist series for the
Ceramics Department
Organized two annual Ceramic art sales
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Next Step Gallery, Ferndale, MI
Craft Alliance, Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Reese Gallery, St. louis, MO
By Design Gallery, Alton, IL
Mississippi Mud Art Gallery, Alton, IL
Jacoby Art Center, Alton, IL