Barry Gregg
"Sink or Swim"

Ceramicist Barry Gregg arrives at MudFire Gallery in August of 2006 with a wild collection of new sculpture, architectural elements, and functional pottery all crafted from clay. Fantasy, spirituality, and childhood magic are important themes that tie this diverse collection of works together. The exhibit brings to an end Barry's intensive two-year artist residency at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and bridges these experiences with those that lie ahead as Barry moves into his new studio and sets forth to "Sink or Swim" on his own.

The exhibit runs August 12 through 26. We kick it off with a party that promises to be as wild as the artwork... from 5pm - 9pm on August 12, 2006.

Barry probes the full range of clay's potential, refusing to limit himself to a particular mode of exploring this most plastic medium. He exhibits notable versatility - creating anything from illuminated wall sconces incorporating his photography to sublime Asian-influenced functional pottery with carefully-incised decorative elements. The show will also include figure sculpture, decorative vessels, and thought-provoking altar assemblages. His early years living on the beach in Florida will be well-represented with a wall of fish, some freakish and toothy and others brightly loveable. Barry's work is playful, whimsical, and often infused with a child's inquiry and exuberance. We suspect he surprises himself as often as the viewer.

Barry Gregg - Artist Statement

Through the journey of life, my passion has been drawn to various art forms. With formal training as a painter and illustrator, I have carried those skills to a 20-year career as a graphic designer. It fulfilled a need to use my knowledge and artistic expression to design works with a strict set of rules, yet still expressing myself in a two dimensional format. It is in the mid-nineties that I discovered clay.

My first experience as a handbuilder in a 3-dimensional art form gave me a satisfaction of self expression that began as a slow process that eventually built into a need to create. The configuration of the medium created limitless possibilities. Although there were rules and restrictions, I would push them to the limits, eventually creating my own voice.

My discovery of the potters wheel expanded my creative toolbox. I have strived to combine my various skills to create forms that speak to me and eventually to the viewer. It is my goal to utilize not only my artistic knowledge in my work, but also to use the experiences I have gathered as a child into adulthood. Including, but not limited to, fantasy, religion, a magical childhood at the beach and the unknown.

It is my goal to let go of preconceived notions of what the finished product should be. Therefore, allowing myself to to experience the surprises that the clay has to offer from its conceptual beginnings to the final form.

Barry Gregg - Biography

Barry Gregg was born and raised in Florida where his family settled in Neptune Beach. As a child his artistic expression was limited to coloring "outside the lines" and the construction of sandcastles. In college he became more serious about fine arts receiving a BFA in Drawing from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. This provided him with all of the prerequisites to become a Master Bartender.

In 1988 he graduated with a AA in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Atlanta with the intention of building a portfolio for corporate employment. At graduation he was awarded "Best Portfolio" by faculty and staff for his graduating class. This led to a position at BellSouth Corporation and eventually a 16 year career as a Freelance Graphic Designer.

It is in the mid-nineties that he took a class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and discovered clay. As time went by and his excitement for the medium grew, he became a Studio Monitor and eventually a Callanwolde Pottery Assistant. Participating in the daily functions of operating the studio, as well as Group Shows and Sales, his interest grew as an instructor and eventually to operating his own studio. He was accepted for the Spring 2006 publication in Lark Books 500 Pitchers.

He strives to mix-it-up by creating thrown, handbuilt and functional works. He would like to thank his family, friends and supporters as he embarks on his journey as a clay artist.

Barry Gregg - Artist Resume

EDUCATION

2004-2006, Assistantship Program, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta, Georgia

1988, The Art Institute of Atlanta, AA, Graphic Design, Atlanta, Georgia

1982, BFA, Fine Arts & Drawing, Newberry College, Newberry,South Carolina

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2004-present, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Instructor, Atlanta, Georgia

2005-present, Mudslinging Pottery, Studio Potter / Sculptor / Owner, Decatur, Georgia

1996-2003, Atlanta College of Art, Instructor, Atlanta, Georgia

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2006, Atlanta Teapot Festival, MudFire Gallery, Decatur, Georgia

2005, Perspectives 2005 Exhibition, Private Collection Gallery, Watkinsville, Georgia

2005, Metropolitan Loft Group Show, Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia

2004-2005, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Assistants Group Show, Atlanta, Georgia

2002-2005, Atlanta College of Art Faculty Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia

PUBLICATIONS

2006, Tourtillot, S.J.E., 500 Pitchers, Lark Books

REPRESENTATION

2005-present, Creative Spirit Gallery, Decatur, Georgia

2003-2004, Alcove Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia