The Potters of Energy Xchange
Featuring Emily Reason

This gallery exhibit and sale will be available for viewing February 11 through March 11 of 2006. An artist reception and opening party will be held from 5 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2006.

Emily Reason Artist Statement

As a ceramic artist, I create functional wares. I am strongly committed to attaining a high level of craftsmanship merged with visual and tactile beauty in each of my pieces.

I am currently using a methane gas fueled kiln, which intrigues me to further explore alternative energy options so that I may be less dependent on conventional fuels as well as reduce my negative impact on the environment.

Using "high-fire," materials and firing methods, I achieve a unique depth and variation on the surfaces of my work. I am interested in the relationship between textured surface and glazes to compliment and contrast that surface. I strive to portray provocative, elegant and classic forms.

Traditional Chinese art as well as sensations and forms found in nature continually inspire me. Working in the clay medium provides the structure and opportunities for experimentation that I find so rewarding.

Emily Reason Short Bio

As an Energy Xchange Resident Artist, Emily Reason is developing a pottery business.

Emily grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was first introduced to pottery in high school. Her interest in art and ceramics led her to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at West Virginia University. While enrolled in WVU, Emily spent a summer semester in the school's Ceramics in China Program, an experience that had a profound effect on her.

Determined to learn more, Emily continued her educational experiences at Chautauqua School of Art, Penland School of Crafts, and as a Resident Artist with Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts.

Emily values her experiences in teaching, travel and hiking as vital balances and influences for her lifestyle as a potter.

Emily Reason Resume

Exhibitions

3/05, NCECA Clay National 2005, Juried, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

4/04, The Butter Dish Show, Invitational, Odyssey Gallery, Asheville, NC

6/04, Odyssey Resident Artists, Front Gallery, Asheville, NC

2/04, International Cup, juried, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT

10-12/03, Salt & Pepper, invitational, Odyssey Gallery, Asheville, NC

11/03, Odyssey Resident Artists Exhibition, Fine Arts Center, Greenville, SC

9-10/02, Recent Works from Chautauqua, solo exhibition Zenclay, Morgantown, WV

5/02, Joint Exhibition of Ceramic Works, Zenclay, Morgantown, WV

5/02, West Virginia University BFA Show, Mesaros Gallery, Morgantown, WV

4/01&02, Art at the Met, Metropolitan Theatre, Morgantown, WV

Education

Fall 2004 - Glaze Chemistry & Kiln Firing, Fall Clay Concentration, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC

Spring 2003 - Porcelain and Food Culture, Spring Clay Concentration Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC

Fall 2002 - Special Student, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Summer 2002 - Ceramics, Figure Sculpture, Chautauqua Institution School of Art, Chautauqua, NY

May 2002 - Bachelor of Fine Art, Cum Laude, Ceramics Concentration, Art History Minor, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Summer 2001 - Summer in China Program, Shanghai, Jingdezhen, Xining and Beijing, China Through West Virginia University

Field Experience & Teaching

Present, Resident Artist, Energy Xchange, Burnsville, NC

2004-Present, Ceramics Instructor, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts Asheville, NC

2003-2005, Resident Artist, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts. Asheville, NC

2004-2005, Assistant to the Managing Director, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Asheville, NC

Fall 2004, Studio Assistant, Glaze Chemistry & Kiln Firing, Fall Clay Concentration Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC

Summer 2003, Clay Instructor, Rockbrook Camp for Girls, Brevard, NC

3/02-2/03, Ceramics Instructor, Zenclay, Morgantown, WV

8-12/02, West Virginia University Pottery Production Studio, Morgantown, WV

Scholarships and Honors

Fall 2004, Studio Assistant Scholarship, Full Fall Clay Concentration, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC

June 2004, Emerging Artist Scholarship, Fees waived, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA

Spring 2003, Work-Study Scholarship, Partial Spring Clay Concentration, Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC

Summer 2002, Logan Scholarship, Full, Chautauqua Institution School of Art, Chautauqua, NY

2001-2002, Mesaros Scholarship, Partial West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

1998 - 2002, Dean's List, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Publications

500 Cups, Lark Books, Sterling Publishing Co., New York, NY 2005

"Color as Meaning: NCECA Clay National 2005," Ceramics Monthly, September 2005, p.15.