Artist: Kevin Kowalski
Kevin Kowalski, CALIFORNIA
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In my current body of work I am using the methods of Mocha Diffusion and soda firing to create decorative landscapes on my utilitarian pottery. I have developed depth in each landscape composition through layers of texture, design and atmosphere.
With references to Mochaware of the early 1800’s my dendritic tree decoration is a dominant feature in each scene. The unique pattern of foliage is achieved in most cases through a brush stroke of chrome green oxide with an organic acidic mixture on top of a fresh layer of liquid clay. The addition of the sun or full moon is a way I add a focal point and create a sense of balance and depth in the composition. The sky and atmosphere in the landscape is created by flashing slips and soda vapor which is reminiscent of dusk and dawn.
After falling in love with the rich and vibrant surfaces of Gail Nichol’s soda fired work and learning about Mocha Diffusion decoration while watching a Robin Hopper video I knew the two techniques could work great together. Nichols and Hopper are wonderful examples of artists using traditional methods and creating innovation in their work. This inspired me to bring together the two methods of Soda firing and Mocha Diffusion to innovate these traditional surface treatments in my work.
EDUCATION
2013 - MA in Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University, Irvine, CA
2006 - 3 Months study with ceramic artist Hong Qu-Xuan, Taichung, Taiwan
2005 - BFA in Ceramics, California State University, Fullerton, CA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2016 - Present
Studio Potter, Kevin Kowalski Pottery, Placentia, CA
2010 - Present
Esperanza High School, Anaheim, CA, Beginning and Advanced Ceramics
2008 - 2010
High School Art Teacher, Valencia High School, Placentia, CA, Art Fundamentals and 3D Art
EXHIBITIONS
2018
On The Rocks, Pewabic Gallery, Detroit, MI
Ware/Wear, Pocosin Arts Gallery, Columbus NC
Palliative Pour Exhibition, Threadbare Cider & Mead, Pittsburgh, PA
Last Call III, Companion Gallery, Humboldt, TN
Growler Fest, Brew House Association, Pittsburgh, PA
Yunomi Invitational Show, AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA
WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES
2016
Cochise College, Douglas, AZ
Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA
Good Dirt LA, Los Angeles, CA
2017
Clay Artist of San Diego, Vista High School, CA
Aardvark Clay, Santa Ana, CA
Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto, CA
Good Dirt LA, Los Angeles, CA
Potter’s and Sculpture’s Club, Laguna Woods, CA
2018
Clay By the Bay, San Francisco, CA
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA