https://www.lakeshorepublicradio.org/show/art-on-the-air/2023-04-04/art-on-the-air-april-16-2023
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Artist Quote:
I love beginning with a functional shape, and altering and decorating it with my techniques and approach to the point of questioning its functionality, extending the work into the realm of sculpture.
Artist Statement:
Ceramic Artist Thomas Harris works with traditional functional shapes, such as a bowl, cup, vase, and alters it shape to create unique, sculptural forms. He focuses on contrast in shape, color and texture: circular/angular, bright/subdued, glossy/matte, rough/smooth.
Technique:
Thomas throws functional shapes on the wheel, then cuts, and alters the shapes by adding, folding and pushing the clay to create his functional/sculptural forms. He then uses a variety of techniques to decorate the surface, including masking, water-abrasion and layered underglazes that are then sanded.
International/National Exhibitions, Gallery shows
–Strictly Functional Pottery National, Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster,PA, 2021
–Botanical Abundance National Ceramic Exhibition (Award of Merit):, McGroarty Arts Center, Tujunga , CA, 2021
–Where The Wild Things Are, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula Mt, 2021
Endless Cup, Clay Arts Vegas, Las Vegas NV, 2021
–Filled up 2: a Ceramic Cup show. New Harmony Gallery, New Harmony IN 2021
-Vessels vs Vassels – Solo exhibition, Ivy Tech Waldron,Bloomington,IN April 2013
-Form and Function: Fifth Annual National Cup show, Amelia Center Gallery Panama City, Fl. November 9, 2012
-Reflection National Ceramics Biannual, Swope Art Museum Halcyon Art Gallery, Terre Haute, October, 2012
-Mostly Off the Wall- Sculpture: Gallery North on the Square, Bloomington June 2010
Selected Art Fairs
Artisphere, Greenville, NC 2021
Main Street Art Fair, Fort Worth, TX 2018,19
American Craft Exposition (ACE), Botanical Gardens, Evanston IL, 2015-16
Philadephia Museum of Art Craft Show(PMAC), Philadephia Convention Center, Philadephia, PA, 2015
Galleries, Online Stores
The Gallery Group– Bloomington IN
Artful Home (Wisconsin-Online)
Training:
Thomas earned a BFA in Ceramics from Northern Arizona University then continued on to a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona. During this period he studied with Don Bendel, Paul Soldner, Don Reitz and Marilyn Levine.
He studied Ceramics at Indiana University, working with Chris Boger, Malcom Mobutu Smith, Tim Mather, Amy Noorgard and Matt Repsher. He also attended workshops with Arthur Gonzalez and Jason Walker as well as others.