8 x 10 Atlanta

MudFire Gallery will host "8 x 10 Atlanta" - an exhibit illustrating the state of clay in Atlanta with eight works each by ten Atlanta clay artists. The show will run November 6 - 25, 2003. An opening party and artist reception will be held Thursday, November 6 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm

Deanna Ranlett

As a recent graduate from Georgia State University, I am a relatively "new" clay artist. For the past few years, my involvement in ceramics was due to the pursuit of a degree in Fine Arts, however, now I am an artist setting up studio on her own. After receiving a grant from NCECA, I was able to do some studio construction that will allow me to pursue my goal as fine art ceramicist. Working at Davens Ceramic Center has allowed me to meet many other Atlanta artists, and I am proud to join their ranks.

As a ceramic artist, I often find myself occupying the middle ground - blurring the conventional definitions of organic versus geometric form, and functional versus sculptural intent. My ultimate artistic goal is for the viewer to be intrigued by my work and to draw their own conclusions, without forcing them to define or categorize the forms. Usually, I cannot pinpoint a specific point of inspiration; rather, it is the act of creation itself that fuels my desire to make new work.

I approach my ceramic vessels with contemplation and deliberation but without a predestined pattern. I roll out a blank slab of clay and make several definitive cuts that lead me to the path of the piece as a whole. For me, the process of construction is the most important part of the piece and I take the most enjoyment out of this phase of my work. I create work in a meditative state, so that intent becomes secondary to the feel of the clay, and the visualization of how the piece is coming together. In other words, I do not plan each piece, rather they show me how to proceed. After the initial creative burst, I spend time on the details of the piece, creating niches and edges to pique the interest of the viewer. My vessels are active, meditative works, which allow them to be a vehicle for exploration.

My work is about form and line, and how these elements can be enhanced with unusual color, sparkling glazes, or an unexpected detail like a sweeping curve, strong plane, or a meditative pool. I enclose and reveal spaces within my work, where often the underneath "hidden" areas of the piece are the most deliberate. These hidden areas offer an area of active exploration for the viewer. In contrast, the top surfaces are a smooth, cool expanse of space - a plane for the viewer to rest upon or meditate. In my work, I strive to present the viewer with this moment of meditation rather than directing him or her toward a specific point of reference.

Exhibitions

"Elemental" Solo Exhibition, January 2004, Roswell Visual Arts - Clay Center, Roswell, GA.
"8x10 Atlanta", Group Invitational, November 2003, Mudfire Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
Graduating BFA Show, May 2003, Georgia State University Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
"Reflection", Solo Exhibition, May 2003, RedWall Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
"Elements of Culture", Group Art and Music Exhibition, March 2003, Club 708, Atlanta, GA.
"Cornucopia of Art by Women", Group Invitational, February 2003, Mable House Cultural Center, Mableton, GA.
"Hidden Spaces", Solo exhibition, November 2002, Mudfire Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
"Annual Juried Student Show", April 2001, Georgia State University Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
"Annual Juried Student Show", April 2000, Georgia State University Gallery, Atlanta, GA.

Awards

Awarded Regina Brown Student Fellowship, January 2003, NCECA Nominated by Georgia State Faculty and awarded by the Board of Directors of NCECA, the National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts - based upon slides and written proposal.

Education

2003, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, BFA in Studio Art - Concentration Ceramics, Graduated Summa Cum Laude.

1998, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, BA in Speech Communication, Graduated Magna Cum Laude, President of Speech Communication Organization.

Employment and Experience

2000 - Present, Asst. Manager & Technical Consultant, Davens Ceramic Center, Atlanta, GA.

2003, Artist Market Chairperson, Chamblee Festival, Chamblee City Hall, Atlanta, GA.

2000-2003, President, Student League of Independent Potters, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.