Artist: Sarah Nikitopoulos
Artist: Sarah Nikitopoulos
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ARTIST BIO
Sarah Nikitopoulos grew up in Wading River, New York, and received her BFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, where she became enamored with the technical aspects of ceramics – specifically glaze formulation. Following graduation, she worked as a studio assistant to various artists in the Gateway Arts District of Maryland, building her own studio practice along the way. After 8 years, she moved back to her hometown in New York where she currently works out of her home studio. Sarah’s work is primarily functional in nature and draws inspiration from geologic processes, utilizing crystalline glazes and contrasting materials. Glaze development remains a primary driving force behind her studio practice.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My fascination with the technical side of ceramics is the driving force behind my studio practice. I first fell in love with glaze formulation when I discovered zinc crystalline glazes. They were so different from any ceramics I had seen up until that point. As a geology nerd, I was blown away that real crystals could be grown from a mix of nondescript powders and fired in a kiln; in a way a microcosm of the geologic process. From there I went down the rabbit hole of special effects glazes – various species of crystals, phase separation, iridescence, and other phenomena. The endless pursuit of perfecting formulas with sensitive and specific chemistries satisfies my curiosity, and I apply these glazes to functional objects that should be interacted with and enjoyed as
part of daily ritual. I take special consideration toward engineered functionality and comfort of use. My hope is through regular interaction, the user will be inspired toward a similar fascination of the ceramic process, with special yet unpretentious pots meant to elevate daily experiences that hopefully become regular favorites.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts Cum Laude May 2010
New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, NY
Experience:
Self-Employed Artist 2013 – Present
Studio Assistant - Ani Kasten, Mount Rainier, MD 2011 – 2018
Studio Assistant - Margaret Boozer, Mount Rainier, MD 2011–2014 (Intermittent)
Studio Assistant - Lindsay Pichaske, Mount Rainier, MD 2013–2015 (Intermittent)
Glaze Technician - Christopher Spitzmiller, Inc., New York, NY 2010 – 2011
Selected Exhibitions:
Sip: A Ceramic Cup Show Savannah Clay Community, Savannah GA 2025
5 th Annual High Fire Show Wildfire Ceramic Studio, Missoula MT 2025
In Hand II The Art School at Old Church, Demarest NJ 2025
The Mudflat Cup Show Mudflat Studio, Somerville MA 2025
ClayAKAR Americano Invitational ClayAKAR, Iowa City, IA 2021
Exquisite Forms III Invited Artist Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville FL 2021
AKAR Yunomi Invitational ClayAKAR, Iowa City, IA 2020
Cup: The Intimate Object XIV Invited Artist Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL 2018
Working Pots III Purchase Award James May Gallery, Algoma WI 2018
Cup: The Intimate Object XIII Invited Artist Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL 2017
Interiors Strathmore Mansion, North Bethesda, MD 2017
The American Fine Craft Show: Washington Washington, D.C. 2016
Charlotte Contemporary Charlotte, NC 2016
Cup: The Intimate Object XII Invited Artist Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL 2016
Featured Artist Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL 2016
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Reston, VA 2016
ClayAKAR Yunomi Invitational ClayAKAR, Iowa City, IA 2016
Small Favors XI Invited Artist The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA 2016
American Craft Council Show Baltimore, MD 2016
The American Fine Craft Show: Washington Washington, D.C. 2015
Cup: The Intimate Object XI Invited Artist Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL 2015
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Reston, VA 2015
ClayAKAR Yunomi Invitational ClayAKAR, Iowa City, IA 2015
American Craft Council Show Baltimore, MD 2015
Small Favors IX The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA 2014
Small Favors VII Invitational The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA 2012
Restaurant Collections:
Métier Washington, DC
Kinship Washington, DC
Kinship Honolulu Honolulu, HI