Artist: Matt Hiller
Matt Hiller, ALASKA
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ARTIST BIO
Matt studied studio art with a concentration in ceramics at the University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie, a few hours from his hometown Marshfield, Wisconsin. While working a seasonal fish processing job in Dillingham, Matt fell in love with Alaska. He made a permanent move to the state in 2016 and began building his off-grid home and studio.
Matt draws inspiration from the natural world and from process itself through the physical work we do, the marks we make as humans, and the marks left from generations before us. He finds interest in the conversation that is created through the making and use of primitive and specialized tools. The forms, patterns, and decorations seen in his work are derived from his surroundings and close relationship to the natural world of his off-the-grid and handmade lifestyle in the woods.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am captivated by the relative permanence of ceramics. The malleability of clay documents very specific movements and gestures of an exact time and place so to prove our existence. Humans have a natural tendency to create with their hands and through the use of tools. I approach the use of tools as a collaboration between craftsperson and the tool itself. The constant action and re-action to manipulate form and create texture should be viewed as a dance and the rhythm is documented on the surface. Because of this it is important that the clay and glaze I use accepts and accentuates the marks from hands and tools. The forms, subject matter, and patterns I use are influenced by my lifestyle and extracted from my immediate surroundings and close relationship to the natural world.
I am interested in the celebration of life and daily rituals through decorating, adorning, and embellishing of the everyday object. I use processes of carving away and plowing through the clay with various tools to develop patterns, depictions, and idealistic embodiment of everyday naturescapes. As the user invites my work into their life I hope to influence conversations both interpersonal and in the form of self-reflection.
EDUCATION
2009-2013 Bachelors of Fine Art in Studio Art – Ceramics, Conceptual Sculpture
2010 Anagama Wood Firing workshop with Randy Johnston
AWARDS
2026
Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist
2025
“Best of Show” Studio & Gallery, Durango CO “Holding Space”
“Award of Excellence” University of Southern Mississippi, Hattieburg MS “Ceramics National”
“First Place” Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, Duluth GA “Hudgens 5th National Cup Show”
SOLO SHOWS
In Tandem Gallery, Bakersville NC
JURIED AND INVITATIONAL GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2026
Clay Akar, Iowa City IA “Yunomi Invitational”
Wooten Claywork, Hackettstown NJ “3rd Anniversary Show”
Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore MD ““Teapots XI”
Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville FL “My Favorite Dish”
2025
Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge MT “Objects of Desire”
Wooten Claywork, Hackettstown NJ “Holiday Market”
Artlink, Fort Wayne IN “Cup Exhibition”
Ceramics Monthly “Function Focused”
Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville FL “Cup: The Intimate Object XXII
The Laundromat Gallery, Juneau AK “North American Cup Show”
Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge MT “Juried National VIII”
The Handcrafted Shop, Worcester MA “Ceramic Botanica”
Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Schuylerville NY “Morningware: Breakfast & Brunch”
Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville FL “Exquisite Forms VII”
Studio & Gallery, Durango CO “Holding Space”
Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville FL “Spring Teabowls”
NCECA Conference, Salt Lake City UT “Juried Functional Teapot Show III”
2024
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS “Southern Miss Ceramics National”
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS “Cups of Contemplation”
Amelia Center Gallery, Panama City FL “Seventeenth Annual Cup Show”
Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster PA “Strictly Functional Pottery National”
Ceramics Monthly “For A Feast” September
The Art School at Old Church, Demarest NJ “In Hand”
Mudflat Studio, Summerville MA “The Mudflat Cup Show”
Artspace, Richmond VA “Tea”
Good Earth Pottery, Bellingham WA “Winter Warmer Cup Show”
2023
George Caleb Bingham Gallery, Columbia, MO “The Clay Cup VI: Vessel, Icon, Canvas”
Amelia Center Gallery, Panama City FL “Sixteenth Annual Cup Show”
Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore MD ““Teapots X”
Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster PA “Strictly Functional Pottery National”
Lighthouse Art Center, Tequesta FL “Little LUSH”
Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge MT “Juried National VII”
Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, Duluth GA “Hudgens 5th National Cup Show”
PUBLICATIONS
2026
Pottery Making Illustrated “Simple Life Pour-Overs” May/June
WORKSHOPS/ ARTIST PRESENTATION
2026
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Rain City Clay, Seattle Washington
2025
University of Alaska Southeast
University of Alaska Anchorage
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge MT
In Tandem Gallery, Bakersville NC
Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville FL
Wooten Clay Works, Hackettstown NJ