natchez project
february 2013
location:
conner burns studio
what is this?
the natchez project is an experiment in gathering four clay artists together in one studio in an effort to provide an environment where artists can both be free to experiment with what they desire as well as learn from each other during this time.
why?
to provide time and space for clay artists to get together and make good artwork, learn from each other and enjoy each other during the process.
format?
the natchez project artists will work together in the studio of conner burns daily. each artist will work on projects determined by the individual artist - collaboration is purely optional.
who are the artists that received fellowships to participate in the natchez project 2012?
tom coleman
tom lives in henderson nevada and works in the realm of functional pottery while at the same time pushing through with more sculptural vessels.
conner met tom while at red star studios. tom's knowledge and assistance was helpful to conner during his time at red star studios, when he started natchez clay and continues to be a great help and influence.
tom is a respected clay artist that exhibits widely and is also a sought after workshop teacher. the manner in which he combines form and surface has inspired many potters and is desired by collectors worldwide. his work continues to advance in exciting ways.
www.tomandelainecolemangallery.com
elaine coleman
elaine lives in henderson nevada works with carved porcelain vessels and tiles.
conner met elaine through tom and had some enjoyable time at nceca (national council on education in the ceramic arts) national conferences visiting galleries.
elaine painstakingly carves porcelain vessels and tiles with intricate and detailed scenes and then glazes them with luscious celedon and celedon type glazes. simple and luscious, these glazes accentuate the carving without distracting from these carved surfaces.
www.tomandelainecolemangallery.com
meira mathison
meira lives in victoria, british colubmia, canada. she works within the context of functional clay, but also pushes through pure function toward sculptural vessels.
conner met meira at nceca (national council on education in the ceramic arts) national meeting and has enjoyed getting to know here during various conferences and workshops at missa (metchosin international summer school for the arts) where meira served as director.
describing her work, she says, "I love it all. My pots reflect my life – ever changing, nothing is static; a life full with colour, fun, pushing the limits and challenging the day-to-day. Clay is a large part of my life and my passion."
www.meiramathison.com
michael sherrill
michael lives in hendersonville, north carolina. michael's artwork blends clay, metal, glass and a variety of media to achieve his desired result.
conner met michael at nceca also and over time he has long respected michael and his work. over time conner has been
in his own words, "I am compelled by the sensation of seeing things fresh, as if for the first time: like waking from sleep and being surprised by all that surrounds me. In my case, I see the flora and fauna outside my studio, and among them are discoveries and epiphanies."
www.michaelsherrill.net
how were the artists selected?
conner travels across north america teaching workshops and exhibiting his artwork, during this time he has had the opportunity to meet a large number of exceptional artists. the artists in the natchez project are chosen based on the artwork they make, and how that process and that artist fits with the group of a certain year. there is no application process for this event; artists are invited to participate in the natchez project.
what about the exhibition and artist reception?
there will be a exhibition of the artwork of the artists in the gallery of conner burns. this is a one-day exhibition held on saturday, february 16th from 5-8pm. the artists will be present to discuss the artwork. artwork made during the week will also be on display in the studio (at the same location). the exhibition is free, open to the public and will be at the gallery of conner burns at 209 franklin street.
additional information on the natchez project from the past
