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Michelle Coakes
V I R T U A L C E R A M I C S E X H I B I T
Empire VaseLow-fired earthenware, thrown and altered Artist StatementThough I have always considered myself a "functional potter" much of my current work is more sculptural in nature. Almost all my work begins on the potters' wheel and is later altered and assembled. 1 have seldom strayed too far from the ideas and issues associated with the "vessel." The work included here represents the two different faces of my work in clay. On the one hand, I continue to make very functional and affordable pottery intended for use. I also have been, for some time, exploring the possibilities of form with two particular forms: the teapot and the "stacked" vase. Because each is fairly complex in their own way, they offer many possibilities for changes and adaptations. Most recently, the "stacked" vase forms have evolved into "heads" which are inspired by Cycladic figures. Sometimes formal and sometimes humorous, the forms continue to evolve depending on my moods and concerns. While the form is my primary concern with the work, I have done some experimenting with various surface treatments. In recent years I have fired many of the non-functional forms in anagama kilns. I enjoy the way the form itself dictates the surfaces in such a firing. Because the opportunity to fire such a kiln is quite limited, I have experimented with various other ways of dealing with the surfaces. For the "heads" in particular, I have been experimenting with ~ solid black surface, reinforcing the idea that the form is my real interest. Most recently, I have been utilizing a rich, black clay body, needing no glaze al all. I tend to work in series, in both the functional and non-functional pieces. I find that this approach works well for me, allowing me to explore various possibilities that a particular form has to offer. While working on one piece, I am often thinking of what I will change on the next piece. The feeling that one piece "flows" into the next makes working in the studio such an enjoyable experience. ResumeMICHELLE D. COAKES 1267 Cabell Drive EDUCATION 1987-88 Special Student, Ceramics, Wichita State University,
Wichita, KS. EXPERIENCE Currently: Assistant Professor 1989-91 Artist-in-Residence, Florida Gulf Coast Art Center,
Bellair, FL RELATED EXPERIENCE 1993 Curator, "Contemporary Traditions: Work of Kentucky's
Craftspeople", Kentucky Museum, Bowling Green, KY WORKSHOPS, PUBLICATIONS, LECTURES, etc.: 1994 Workshop/Lecture, Berea College. Berea, KY. |
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