Dana Burrell
Miniature Power

MudFire Gallery presents the work of seven ceramicists with a focus on the power of the petite. Featuring sculpture, decorative wall pieces, and functional works, the exhibit revels in art that is precise and restrained.

The artist reception and exhibit opening will be held Saturday, July 14, from 5-9 pm. The exhibit and sale will be on display through August 4, 2007.

Dana Burrell Artist Statement

I grew up in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, from a place where everyone could tell a good story. It didn't matter if the story was embellished a bit, as long as it was entertaining.

I think each of my sculptures tells a story. Some may be embellished a bit but, hopefully, all are entertaining. I like to tell the viewer the story behind the work, but I also enjoy hearing how the viewer interprets the piece without first knowing it's story.

Most of my work comes from three different sources: my dreams, my childhood memories and stories I have heard. I keep extensive notebooks with drawings of ideas as they come to me.

I make sculptural pieces in the form of tiles or free standing figures and use several handbuilding techniques including slab, pinch and coil. I prefer Lizella clay from Lizella, Georgia (near Macon, Georgia.) The clay fires to a lovely terra cotta color. The pieces go through several firings: first the bisque firing, followed by a second firing after I have applied a black wash to add definition to the pieces. Finally, I paint on several layers of underglazes and fire to Cone 2.

I make what comes from my mind and my heart. I am very selfish because I make my art for me. I am very humbled, amazed and delighted when it appeals to other people.

Dana Burrell Resume

Education

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia, 2000-2006

Cherry Lion Studio, Atlanta, Georgia, 2004

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photographic Design, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 1986

Experience

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia, Assistantship Program, 2006 - present

Michael C. Carlos Museum, Girl Scout Ceramics Merit Badge Day, 2005, 2006

Exhibitions

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Pottery Assistant's Show, Atlanta, Georgia, Summer 2006, Fall 2006

Decatur Arts Festival, Decatur, Georgia, 2004 - 2005

Dekalb County Library Solo Exhibit, Decatur, Georgia, 2006

Callanwolde Clay Guild Fall Show, Atlanta, Georgia, 2003

The Atlanta School Fall Arts Festival, Atlanta, Georgia, 2004 - 2006

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Employee Arts Festival, 2002 - 2003

Charis Books and More, Atlanta, Georgia, Summer 2006