Breaking with Traditions

Presenter Information

Matthew Bright, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

Ostrander Auditorium

Start Date

27-4-2009 3:30 PM

End Date

27-4-2009 4:30 PM

Student's Major

Art

Student's College

Arts and Humanities

Mentor's Name

Todd Shanafelt

Mentor's Department

Art

Mentor's College

Arts and Humanities

Description

In the ceramic arts there has been a long standing tradition, or unwritten rule, that clay must be covered and fired with glaze. Through research and experimentation I wanted to show that with the available materials we have today, we no longer need to be bound to ancient techniques and customs. I was interested in this study because of my own lack of excitement with conventional methods of clay surface treatment. While creating my work I felt I was losing a sense of control once a piece was placed into the kiln. I was interested in a more direct connection with the clay's surface. Art is about the freedom of not having rules or boundaries. The work created through this process will inspire more artists to feel less restricted to the traditions of the ceramic world.