Gray N. Bearden, Artist

I am a ceramic artist that creates two distinct bodies of work, functional tabletop ware and sculptural pieces. Though they serve different roles, the two bodies of work share several unifying features.

Texture, adornment and detail are the hallmarks of my work. Primarily, I am fascinated and inspired by patterns and symbols, be they geometric or organic. My other influences are those from nature, architectural elements, textiles/furnishings, relief printmaking and other artworks not limited to ceramics.

After a nearly 20 year career in advertising and marketing, I decided to take a "time out" and subsequently signed up for a community wheel-throwing pottery class. I quickly transitioned into handbuilding with clay and was immediately hooked. I returned to college and completed 30 course hours in studio art and art history. Additionally, I have taken several clay and drawing workshops at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Rather than being made on a pottery wheel, all pieces are handbuilt from rolled out slabs of off-white stoneware clay. Texture and imagery are achieved through the use of created and found objects pressed into the clay or by carving. Color is achieved through the use of underglazes and glazes used at the various stages of making. Everything is fired in an electric kiln a minimum of two times to a final temperature of 2220o F.

Art Market Gallery, 3-D Featured Artist, Knoxville, June 2010

Art Market Galley, New Member Show, Knoxville, May 2009

Art Market Gallery, Knoxville (Board of Directors 2010-13)

Foothills Craft Guild, East Tennessee

Knoxville Arts & Culture Alliance

Terra Madre (Women in Clay), Knoxville

To learn more about this artist or to purchase a piece of their work, contact the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville at (865) 523-7543 or www.knoxalliance.com.