Crisp
Conner Mckissack

MudFire Gallery welcomes Conner McKissack, Masayuki Sasaki, and Liz Zlot Summerfield for "Crisp" -- an exhibition of modernist functional pottery with clean lines and tight styling. This gallery exhibit and sale will be available for viewing March 18 through April 8 of 2006 at MudFire Gallery, 175 Laredo Drive, Decatur, GA 30030. An artist reception and opening party will be held from 5 pm to 9pm on Saturday, March 18, 2006.

Conner Mckissack Artist Statement

My interests in food, contemporary design and culture inform my work as a functional potter. My forms are designed after careful observation of everyday behavior, and with a respect for traditional and ideas about ritual. Working with multiples, like twin pouring vessels, or stacked serving bowls to create groupings, allows me to engage the viewer within an intimate setting to invite sensory contact. These pieces are intimate in scale and express the tactility of clay through soft matte glazes often created through the atmospheric firing process. The works are softly colored and pleasing when held in one's hand.

The pottery is derived through drawings. Forms are then constructed through hand built and wheel thrown elements. I enhance the softness and implicit tactility by working with wet clay to preserve the plasticity and capture the idea of fluidity. I believe that my sensitivity to the fluidity of the materials makes the objects seem friendly, touchable and easy to use. My pottery maintains economy in design and does not require in-depth analysis but inspires an emotional connection.

Conner Mckissack Resume

Education

2004, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Masters of Fine Arts Candidate

2003, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Experience

2005, Instructor–Beginning Wheel throwing: Leisure Course @ J. Wayne Reitz Union, University of Florida

2004, Kiln Room Technician, University of Florida

2003, Ceramics Studio Technician, Valdosta State University

Exhibitions

2005, 500 Pitchers (publication) Lark Books

2005, System(s), two person show. J. Wayne Reitz Union Gallery, Gainesville, Fl

2005, 500 Cups (publication) Lark Books

2005, The Clay Cup X: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois

2005, University of Florida Juried Student Exhibition, Gainesville, FL

2004, Clayboration , Oak Hall Student Gallery, Gainesville, FL

2004, University of Florida Ceramics, Media Image Gallery, Gainesville, FL

2003, Valdosta State University Juried Student Exhibit, Valdosta, GA