Artist: Oliver Estes

Oliver Estes, NEBRASKA

Artist Statement:

There is something unique about soda firing that instantly grabbed my attention, and made me dedicated to exploring its possibilities. Loading each piece snugly together in a kiln, the bare pots begin to take on a more intimate appearance. Depending on how they are arranged within the kiln (as well as a variety of other factors in the firing process) can create wildly different surfaces, varying between juicy exteriors glazed by the soda and strong flashing that displays the fire’s path through the kiln. Each pot tells its own story, and has its own marks that give it its personality and voice. Slight evidence of throwing, trimming, and the application of slip remain visible through the flashing patterns created from the loading and firing processes within the kiln. This is what I aim to create through the soda kiln - individual works that can not just be used in a daily setting, but observed and experienced through their unique qualities as well.

Bio:

Oliver Estes is a ceramic artist based in the Midwest. Being interested in working with clay from a young age, he pursued ceramics throughout his high school and college experiences. Currently studying at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, he is researching the various ways in which different materials and firing methods react in the soda kiln, with an aim to create powerful flashing as well as explore a variety of different color responses. Outside of ceramics, Oliver enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with close friends.

Education
2022 - 2025 | Double major in Ceramics & Art History, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
2021 - 2022 | University of Iowa (transferred)

Experience
2022 - 2024 | Collections Intern, Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln NE
2022 - 2024 | Student Ambassador, Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln, NE
2022, 2023 | Art Wrapper / Bid Helper, Bemis Art Center Benefit Auctions, Omaha, NE

Involvements
2024 | Temporary Studio Assistant for Casey Beck, Lincoln NE
2022 - 2024 | Sheldon Museum of Art Student Advisory Board, Lincoln NE
2023 - 2024 | Social Media Manager, Creative Commons, Lincoln NE
2023, 2024 | Visiting Artist, Lincoln Southeast High School
2021 - 2022 | Stanley Museum of Art Campus Council, Iowa City, IA
2021 - 2022 | PR Director, Horizon Magazine, University of Iowa

Publications
2023 | Laurus, UNL
2023 | Creative Commons Zine

Exhibitions
2024 | Yunomi Invitational, Clay AKAR, Iowa City IA
2024 | Creative Commons @ the Uncommon Gallery, Lincoln NE
2023 | Creative Commons Gallery, Lincoln NE
2020 | Untitled Solo Exhibition, The Bay, Lincoln NE

Awards
2021 | Jane T. Anderson Scholarship Fund
2021 | High Honors in Art, Lincoln Elks Lodge
2021 | Senior Ceramic Artist of the Year | Southeast High School

Artist: Oliver Estes

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