Artist: Ben Jordan

Ben Jordan, MONTANA
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I view a single mug or a single bowl as a sculptural object, one that comes with certain parameters and guidelines within the context of utility. Parameters that I can choose to work within or choose to ignore. In each piece, the time, energy and attention that I put into it is conveyed through the ornate surface treatment and detail of the object. This helps me to visually and physically convey to the user the preciousness, importance, and connection that I feel towards each piece that I make and share.

My current body of work is in part an exploration of the interplay between form and surface ornamentation. I enjoy the sometimes competing, sometimes harmonious relationship between the two. I’m endlessly interested in the way surface decoration can enhance and reinforce the subtle nuances of a form, highlighting a specific curve, profile, or process. While at Other times the surface treatment can completely take the limelight, overshadowing the form by the surface’s design, pattern and color. I especially enjoy seeking the space between these at times, disparaging ends of the spectrum, finding a “happy medium” where form and surface are simultaneously highlighting each other and vying for attention.

The inherent dialogue that the tradition of functional ceramics embodies is a unique and humbling attribute that is also at the heart of my work. Conversations about community, domestic space and daily ritual are important to my life and by utilizing functional ceramics I am able to instill and share that importance through my utilitarian objects.

 

EDUCATION

2016 Masters of Fine Art, Virginia Commonwealth University

2013 Bachelors of Fine Art, Ceramics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

2013 Sculpture Certificate, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

2013 Bachelors of Science, Sociology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

 

WORK AND RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2017 Long term resident, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Montana

2017 Artist in Residence, Cub Creek, Appomattox, VA

2017 Juror, Wilmington Arts Council Juried exhibition. Wilmington, NC

2017 Juror, Dare county 39th Frank stick Memorial Art Exhibit, Manteo, NC

2016 Mold making workshop, Clay Works Studio, Edmonton, Canada

2016 Artist in Residence, Pocosin arts, Columbia North Carolina

2016 Instructor, Introduction to Ceramics, Virginia Commonwealth University.

2015 Instructor, Introduction to Ceramics, Virginia Commonwealth University.

2015 Graduate Teaching assistant, Blair Clemo, VCU

2015 Graduate Teaching assistant, Andrea Keys Connell , VCU

2014 Artist in Residence, The Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge MT.

2011 Studio Assistant Hanneke’s Ceramics, Groningen, Netherlands

 

EXHIBITIONS                                                                                                  

2018 Art of the Pot, represented artist, Austin, Texas

2017 The Clay studio of Philadelphia, Invited Solo Exhibition, Philadelphia

2017 Main Street Arts, The Cup, The Mug, Clifton Springs, New York

2017 Santa Fe Clay, Cups 2017, Santa Fe New Mexico

2017 Red Lodge Clay Center, Juried National 4, Red Lodge, Montana

2017 Objective Clay, NCECA exhibition, Portland, Oregon.

2017 The Archie Bray, Beyond the Brickyard exhibition, Helena, Montana.

2016 Craft Forms 2016 Wayne Art Center, Wayne Pennsylvania. Honorable Mention

2016 Southern Miss Ceramics National, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Second place award.

2016 Virginia Commonwealth University, Thesis Exhibition, Richmond, Virginia

2014 NCECA National Student Juried Exhibition, Post-Baccalaureate Category, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI

2014 International Cup Juried Exhibition, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT

2014 Artists Invite Artists Exhibition, Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff, AZ

2013 Earth Moves, Shifts in Ceramic Arts and design, NCECA sponsored exhibition, Arvada Center for the Arts, Arvada, CO

2013 Its Elemental Juried Multi-Media Exhibition, Best in Show: Mixed Media, Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff, AZ

2013 Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, Beasley Gallery, Flagstaff, AZ

2012 Its Elemental juried multi-media exhibition, Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff, AZ

2011 Second Biennial Juried Ceramics Exhibition, Northern Arizona University Art Museum, Flagstaff, AZ

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

2017 Ceramics Monthly, October issue. “Exploring Sculpture Through Functional forms” by Ben Jordan.

2017 Ceramics Monthly, Jessica Knapp April issue, “From The Editor: Finding understanding Through use.”

2013 Kristen Beub, “Earth Moves, Shifts in Ceramic Art and Design. Pgs. 48,89.

2013 Seth Muller, “Forged, Fused, Whittled, Cut.” Flagstaff Live November Vol. 19 issue 48: pgs. 14,15.

2013 Seth Muller, “NAU Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibit Makes Lasting Impression, Arizona Daily Sun. April 21, 2013. Pgs. 12,13.

2012 Claire Rose, “Before the Form.” The Noise. December 2012. Vol. 139. Pgs. 17,18.

 

AWARDS

2017 “Honorable Mention” Craft Forms 2016 Wayne Art Center, Wayne Pennsylvania.

2016 “Second pace” award Southern Miss Ceramics National, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

2014  “Emerging Artist” 2014 Viola award winner, Flagstaff, AZ

2013  “Best in show: mixed media” It’s elemental juried exhibition, Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff, AZ

2012  Dick Beasley Memorial Scholarship, Northern Arizona University

2011 Harold And Marion Elliot scholarship for Art Education Northern Arizona University