Joey Sheehan
Spotlight Series 2010

MudFire Gallery welcomes Joey Sheehan for an afternoon Spotlight show. The show and sale will take place on March 27, 2010, with an artist reception from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. During the event the Kyle Carpenter 2010 show will also be on display.

MudFire's Spotlight series offers quick weekend and afternoon shows highlighting new work by some of our favorite artists. The shows offer a quick but in-depth look at a large body of recent work in our formal gallery setting.

Joey Sheehan Artist Statement

Clay is my passion. Functional pottery creates a relationship between artist, object, and user unlike any other medium. I am intrigued and motivated by the idea of an art form used so intimately in everyday life. I make pots of purpose: mugs for steeping tea, platters for the perfect salmon filet, cereal bowls, sunday cups, and centerpiece vases. I make pots for the enjoyment of working alone at the wheel, the thrill of every firing, and the anticipation of every kiln opening. I make pots to express myself.

My experiences, emotions, and surroundings are reflected in my shapes and surfaces. The drifting and melting of snow and ice on a remote mountain-top, the smooth curves of the figure, and the erratic dance of a crowded bar are all seen at play in my work. Life and nature are beautiful, inspiring, and unpredictable, and I strive to achieve similar qualities in my pots. With form, rhythmic slip and intense glazing I pursue the relationship between an uncontrollable world and the people and objects influenced by it. Using fluid and undisciplined slips and glazes, my pots are what I define as "controlled chaos." The work is intended to enhance the daily life of the user with functional beauty, but also to inspire thought about objects and lives in a world that may or may not be spiraling out of control.

Joey Sheehan Resume

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Art (Ceramics), May 2006, Virginian Polytechnic Institute and State University, QCA: 3.8/4.0

Ceramic Experience

Studio Potter, Owner/Founder: Melting Mountain Pottery, Feb. 2008-current

Studio Technician, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Oct. 2008-current

Resident Artist, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Asheville, NC; Sept. 06-08

Coursework

18 credits ceramic study under professor David Crane

3 credits ceramic study under potter Richard Hensley

Familiarization with electric, gas, wood-salt, reduction, anagama, and noborigama kilns

Workshops

Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts: Assistant, one week throwing workshop with Connor Burns

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN: Two week work-study March 2006; One week throwing workshop with Steven Hill, March 2006; Two week anagama workshop with Jim Brashear and David Hiltner, July 2005

Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Floyd, VA: Weekend workshop with Ellen Shankin, August 2005

Awards

Best in 3-D, Montford Arts Festival Asheville, May 2000

Best in Craft, Henderson Arts Council RAD Show, April, 2009

Second Place, Bakersville Creek Walk, Sept. 2008

Dean and Rosina Carter Sculpture Scholarship, 2005-2006

BFA Magna Cum Laude, VT, 2006

Most Outstanding Graduating Senior in Studio Art, VT, 2006

Teaching Experience

7 week altered forms class, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Fall 2008

9 week slip and ash class, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Winter 2008

Private lessons, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, 2007

Shows/Exhibits

Marilyn Wilson Gallery, "Cup Show" March 2010

MudFire Gallery, "Mug Shots" 2009

Odyssey Gallery, "Growth and Renewal," March 2009

Odyssey Gallery, "Favorites," February 2009

Big Crafty, Asheville, December 2008

MudFire Holiday Sale, GA, December 2008

Odyssey Gallery, "Transitions," November 2008

Bakersville Creek Walk, September, 2008

Asheville Area Arts Council, April 2008

Asheville River District Studio Stroll, 2006-2008

Southern Highland Craft Guild Fair, 2006-2008

Asheville Area Arts Council, November 13-December 15, 2006

Senior Show, Armory Art Gallery, VT, May 2006

Senior Show, Armory Art Gallery, VT, December 2005