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2016 Workshoplineback to workshops
 
Invent, Engineer and Make Believe: Large-scale Applications in Ceramics
with Matt Wedel
September 5–9, 2016

This five-day hands-on workshop will focus on building an understanding of the production of large-scale ceramic sculpture through demonstrations, discussions and development of work. During the week, participants will explore solutions to challenges presented by large-scale ceramics and discuss problem solving and decision making on both technical and conceptual aspects, including clay bodies, building techniques, loading kilns, glazing, shipping and exhibition of work. Participants are encouraged to address issues that pertain to their own artistic practice and focus will be given to exploration and problem solving rather than the completion of work. The week will culminate with a group exercise to allow hands-on experience addressing issues of working in large scale.

Matt Wedel
Flower Tree, 2013
ceramics
72" x 42" x 52"
Matt WedelHaving grown up around his father’s pottery studio, ceramic artist Matt Wedel has long understood and respected both the intrinsic properties of the material and the element of chance that accompanies the process of firing and glazing clay. Stepping away from the notion of ceramics as a functional craft, Wedel’s art enters the realm of mythological creation stories. Intent on recreating the world from mud or clay, he intricately models vegetation, minerals and animals—all of which, while familiar, suggest they have roots in the unknown. Wedel received a MFA from California State University, Long Beach, California, and a BA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2005. He currently lives and maintains his studio in Albany, Ohio.