Artist: Ryan Strobel
Ryan Strobel, VERMONT
Artist Statement
When engaged in the creative process, I’m often reminded of the old wedding adage: “Something old, something new, something borrowed…”
My most satisfying work comes from blending experimentation and play with the foundations of my artistic background. The pieces I’m proudest of often balance fresh ideas with familiar patterns and approaches that feel true to me, while carrying echoes of the many artists and traditions that have influenced my work.
Playful exploration is what keeps my practice alive. I have often experimented with cut-paper sketches, cutting and rearranging shapes until unexpected compositions emerge. Sometimes these translate directly into slab-built ceramics, other times they simply remind me to stay curious. Whether exploring sculptural forms or “coming home” to functional pots, I try to keep that same spirit present in every stage of making. Remaining open to surprise, breaking habits, and embracing playfulness allows me to move fluidly between approaches, letting each piece feel alive and connected to the joy of discovery.
RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
2021-PRESENT Mount Abraham Unified High School, Bristol, VT
Licensed Art Teacher
High school teacher of ceramics, sculpture and jewelry
2011 - 2015 Greenwich House Pottery, New York, NY
Ceramics Instructor for youth and adult classes
2011-2013 Peter Lane Sculpture, Brooklyn, NY
Artist's assistant.
Construction of large, sculptural and architectural ceramics.
Building, processing, glazing and firing of work
2011 Anne Agee, Brooklyn, NY
Artist's assistant. Fabrication of wares for a show at The Brooklyn Museum
2007 Burlington City Arts Clay Studio, Burlington, VT
Pottery Instructor for children's classes
Ceramics Education
2025 Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC
Two week workshop with Chris Staley
2015 Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME
Technical Assistant. Two week workshop with Malcolm Mobutu Smith
2012 Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY
Mold-making and slip-casting with Hiroe Hanazono
2011 Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY
Five month advanced wheel course with Sequoia Miller
2011 Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME
Technical Assistant. Two week workshop with Josh Deweese
2010-2011 Mill Creek Pottery, Gresham, WI
One year apprenticeship with Simon Levin
2009 Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC 2009
Two month workshop with Tara Wilson as work-study student focusing on woodfiring
Publications
“A Take on the Tour” - Article in Studio Potter magazine, Spring 2010
Exhibitions
2018-
“Recall, Reform,” Two-person show, Jackson Library Gallery, South Berwick, ME
2016-
Burlington City Arts Holiday Market, Burlington, VT
2015-
“New Apprenticeship Project in Ceramic Art,” NCECA, Providence, RI
2014-
"Made in Clay,” Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY
2013-
“Iowa Seeds,” AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA
"Made in Clay,” Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY
2012-
“Strictly Functional Pottery National” Lancaster, PA
"Cup: The Intimate Object" Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, MD
"Cups of Fire" Clay Galley, Jackson, MI
2011-
"River2River" Iowa Clay Conference Juried Show
"National Juried Cup Show" Barrett Clay Works, Poughkeepsie, NY
National Juried Pottery Competition, Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville, NC
"It's only Clay," Bemidji Community Art Center, Bemidji, MN
"Made in Clay," Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY
“Faculty Show,” Greenwich House Pottery, NY, NY
2010-
“Strictly Functional Pottery National” Lancaster, PA
“Bowl me Over” Lil Street Art Center, Chicago, Il
“Ryan Strobel Fall Show” Sanctuary Arts Center, Eliot, ME
“Potter and Poet Present” The Green Door, Burlington, VT