Candy Austin Ceramics

2006-08-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Check out my new website at http://candyaustinceramics.tripod.com

2006-05-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Artist Statement

My work deals with relationships between pieces and between the viewer. I get inspiration from the relationships in my life and those I see around me. The forms themselves combine ceramic vessels, aspects of the human body, and shapes found in nature. Relationships between forms are important to me, as well as the way they interact with and animate the space around them. What interests me the most is the relationship the viewer has to my work, whether it is physically sitting in a piece, standing two inches away to see detail, or visually making a connection with events or relationships in their life.

2006-05-13T20:44:00.001-07:00

Detail

Porcelain and Wood
5 Units Each 8 x 3 1/2 x 2 Inches
2006

Detail (Parts One and Two)

Detail (Parts Three and Four)

Detail (Part Five)

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the relationship of the viewer to my pieces. In this particular series I am concerned with scale and how that relationship changes when the scale has changed. This piece focuses on the detail that can be contained in a piece that is around an inch high and how close the viewer must stand in order to see the detail. I want the viewer to see detail and form that they would normally pass over and I feel that the presentation of the pieces does this.

2006-05-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Shelf

Porcelain, Acrylic, Wood

16 x 12 x 5 1/2 Inches

2006

2006-05-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Look

Porcelain, Wood, Sand, and Glass

12 x 20 x 6 1/4 Inches

2006

Look (Back View)

These box pieces are like creating little worlds to me. I am interested in the life like quality that these tiny porcelain pieces have and how they begin to interact when placed within the same vicinity. Relationships have interested me for a long while, and this is another way to explore them. There is also an element of mystery and discovery in these works that I enjoy. I want the viewer to feel as if they are coming upon something that is precious.

2006-05-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Circulate

Wood, Plexiglass, and Lowfire Clay

12 x 12 x 3 1/2 Inches

2006

2006-05-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Quiet

Wood and Lowfire Clay

12 x 9 x 3 1/2 Inches

2006

2006-05-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Wall

Lowfire Clay

65 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 3 Inches

2006

2006-05-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

Untitled (Unfinished)

Stoneware

Aprx. 43 x 48 x 28 Inches

2006

Untitled (Alternate View)

This is the other end of the scale spectrum. Ideally, the viewer would be able to directly, physically interact with this work. Again, I would like to have an element of discovery with these pieces as well, by placing them in a wooded area so the viewer literally discovers them. Then, they can have an isolated moment with the piece, and essentially become part of the piece.

2005-11-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

New Work

Look Listen

Stoneware, Terra Sigilatta, Acrylic, Wax

44 Inches by 36 Inches

2005

2005-11-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

Squash

Stoneware, Terra Sigillata, Acrylic, Wax

39.5 inches by 15 inches

2005

2005-10-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tension

Colored Terra Sigillata, Acrylic

22 by 20.5 Inches

2005

2005-10-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Steady

Colored Terra Sigillata, Acrylic

23 by 23 Inches

2005

2005-09-10T21:11:00.002-07:00

Couple 3

Stoneware, Colored Terra Sigillata, Acrylics

27 Inches by 16 Inches

2005

Couple 3 (Alternate Views)

2005-09-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Open

Stoneware, Colored Terra Sigillata

13 by 26 Inches

2005

Open (Alternative Views)

2005-08-22T20:52:00.001-07:00

Rock

24 Inches by 25.5 Inches

Stoneware with Terra Sigillata

2005

Rock (Alternative Views)

2005-07-22T22:08:00.001-07:00

Lean

27 inches by 24 inches

Stoneware, colored terrasigillata

2005

Lean (Alternate Views)

2005-07-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Piggy Back

24 inches by 18 inches

Stoneware, colored terra sigillata

2005

Piggy Back (Alternative Views)

2005-07-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Reliance

Stoneware with colored terra sigillata

26 inches by 24 inches

2005

Reliance (Alternative Views)

2005-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Crawl

Stoneware, Colored Terra Sigillata

24.5 inches by 23 inches

2005

Crawl (Alternate View)

2005-04-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Stretch

Stoneware, Colored Terra Sigillata

44 Inches by 36 Inches

2005

Stretch(Alternate Views)

2005-04-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Content

21.5 inches by 18 inches

Stoneware with colored terra sigillata

2005

Content (View 2)

I used rocks here as a transition from the rigid geometry of the pedestal to the organic sculpture. They also create the illusion of a rounded base on this piece. I really like the rocks, however I think they may detract from the piece, so I'm still thinking on this one.

2005-03-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

Experiments From Grad School

Dependence

Stoneware, Colored Terra Sigillata, Smoked Fired

22 inches by 18 Inches

2005

Dependence (Alternative View) (Detail)

Dependence (Alternative Position)

This piece can be set up in a couple different ways. Flexible positioning as well as viewer interaction is important within this series. The touch a feel of all my pieces is important, so I work hard to create a smooth sensual surface. This piece originally had only blue and white terra sig on it, but when it came out of the second firing it had a few large blotches on the surface. Sawdust firing was the perfect solution.

2005-03-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Untitled

Stoneware, Lowfire Glaze, Acrylic Sealer

22 Inches by 20 Inches

2005

Untitled (Alternative Views)

2005-03-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

Long Neck 2

Stoneware (Unfinished)

20 inches by 36 Inches

2005

Long Neck 2 (Alternative View)

2005-03-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

Couple II

26 inches by 11 inches

Stoneware with terra sigillata

2005

Couple II (Alternative Views)

With this work, I began a series of works that contain two seperate elements. I am interested in the relationships between the shapes of the pieces as well as the space around them. The smaller piece of this work is meant to sit in the concavity of the larger. However, I was struck by the beauty of the shapes as the smaller one laid in front of the other. The pieces still relate to one another, but are no longer dependent on each other. I plan to explore this further in other pieces.

2005-02-12T22:21:00.002-08:00

Untitled (Long Neck)

18 by 36 Inches

2005

Untitled (view 2) Untitled (detail)

In this piece, I am trying to push the limits of what a vessel can look like. Although the neck is extremely long, you can still tell that this is a bottle form. I am also pushing my technical skills as far as they can go and I was very excited that this piece made it through both firings intact. However, I was not extremely happy with the glaze. I like the crackle effect, I just have to learn how to control it better. I'm working on it!

2005-02-12T22:21:00.001-08:00

Untitled

Greenware

42 by 36 Inches (Approximately)

2005

Untitled (view 2)

This is the second version of this piece, as the first broke before firing. Unfortunately this one also broke after completion. It was created to be an outdoor piece. Within this piece, I continue to explore the idea of multiple pieces and balance. The bottom of this piece is completely round. I think that I will not attempt to recreate this particular piece, its just too frustrating to lose two versions of the same large piece!!!

2004-11-23T20:04:00.001-08:00

Pit Fired Works

Untitled

26 by 22 Inches

Stoneware, Sawdust Fired

2004

2004-11-23T17:44:00.002-08:00

Balance One

25 Inches by 12 Inches

Stoneware, Sawdust Fired

2004

Alternate Views and Positions

In this piece I am experimenting with the idea of having no one single base for the piece to sit on. This not only allows for many different placements of the piece, but also incorporates movement as the piece can be rolled around.

2004-11-23T17:42:00.003-08:00

Untitled (2 views)

21 Inches by 12 Inches

Stoneware, Sawdust Fired

2004

In my new pieces, including the one above, I am trying to make the bases much smaller so that the pieces will almost seem to float. I want to give much more lift to the pieces, as well as more flow off from the pedestal.

2004-11-08T19:49:00.002-08:00

Untitled

Stoneware, Sawdust Fire

14 Inches by 13 Inches

2004

Untitled (Alternate View)

2004-10-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Wave Vase

14 Inches by 6 Inches

Stoneware, Sawdust Fired

2004

Detail of Wave Vase

2004-10-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Untitled

12 Inches by 5 Inches

Stoneware, Saw Dust Fired

2004

Detail of Untitled

The pattern seen here is a result of wrapping the piece in paper towel before loading it into the kiln. The paper towel actually transferred its fold and wrinkles to the surface of my piece.

2004-09-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Resume

Candace Austin
1127 Esters Rd Apt 909
Irving, TX 75061
580.491.0415

lili_1981@yahoo.com
candyaustinceramics.blogspot.com

Education

M.F.A. Candidate 2005-Present Ceramics Universtiy of Dallas

M.A. 2005 Ceramics University of Dallas

B.F.A. 2003 Ceramics University of Oklahoma (Academic Distinction)

Minor: Art History

Solo Exhibitions
2005 Relate, Master of Arts Thesis Exhibition, University of Dallas, TX

Group Exhibitions

2006 Southworks 2006, Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville, GA

2006 26th Annual July National Exhibition, Franklin Square Gallery, Southport, NC
2006 Eleven, University of Dallas, Dallas, TX
2006 First Biennial Concordia Continental Ceramics Competition, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN

2005 The Art of Flowers, Thompson's Fine Art, Dallas, TX
2005 Developments, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX
2005 Advanced Drawing Exhibition, University of Dallas, Dallas, TX
2004 Paseo Festival, Oklahoma City, OK
2003 Arts and Scraps’ "Red Show," Norman, OK
2003 University of Oklahoma 86th Annual Student Art Exhibition, Norman, OK
2002 University of Oklahoma 87th Annual Student Art Exhibition, Norman, OK
2002 Senior Capstone Exhibition, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
2001 University of Oklahoma 88th Annual Student Art Exhibition, Norman, OK
2000 University of Oklahoma 89th Annual Student Art Exhibition, Norman, OK

Exhibition Curator
2005 Developments, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX
2005 Concentrations 2005, University of Dallas, Dallas, TX

Collections
University of Oklahoma Permanent Print Collection, Norman, OK

Employment Experience

Adjunct Professor at Cedar Valley College

-Three Dimensional Design: create syllabus, create assignments, lecture with power point presentations, teach students multiple techniques and mediums, lead critiques of student work January 2006-present

Graduate Assistant at the University of Dallas
-assist teaching university classes, assist Professor, assist undergraduate students
August 2004-May 2005

Apprentice to Collin Rosebrook (owner/director of Paseo Pottery, Oklahoma City, OK)
-Responsible for teaching adult clay classes, cleaning studio, firing electric and gas kilns, helping customers in gallery, and assisting artists
May 2003-August 2004

Ceramics Teacher at the Fire House Arts Center, Norman, OK
-Responsible for teaching ceramics students, loading and firing electric kilns, cleanup of classroom
October 2003-March 2004

Awards
Full Tuition Scholarship, University of Dallas, 2004-present
Ponca City Art Association Scholarship Award, 1999
University of Oklahoma Award of Excellence Scholarship, 1999-2003
Conoco Leadership Scholarship, 1999-2003

Gallery Representation
Paseo Pottery, Oklahoma City, OK

2004-08-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

From Paseo (2004)

Crossed

Stoneware, Pit Fired

25 inches by 12 inches

2004

I am beginning to draw more and more inspiration from the human form. In this piece, I was inspired by a figure sitting with their legs crossed, with one leg higher than the other. Of course, it is a loose interpretation.

Crossed (Alternative Views)

2004-08-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

Wrapped Up Two

Stoneware, Pit Fired

34 by 16 Inches

2004

This piece was pit fired in a new technique that I am still experimenting with. The process, which is detailed further down in the page, is the most immediate way that I have discovered to finish a piece. Unlike the iron oxide I use on some of my other pieces, the effects are subtle and, to a large degree, out of my control.

Wrapped Up Two (Alternate Views)

2004-08-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

Woman Wrapped

Stoneware, Pit fired

34 inches by 10 inches

2004

Woman Wrapped (Alternative Views)

2004-08-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Beth

Stoneware, Pit Fired

23 inches by 17 inches

2004

Beth is a piece that was inspired by a dream of mine. In my dream I was holding a baby and I remember feeling very content. I wanted this piece to portray that feeling, as well as the idea of being protected and safe.

Beth (Alternative Views)

2004-08-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

A Quick Autobiography

I have been interested, if not infatuated, with ceramics since I was twelve years old. When I was 13 I had my first apprenticeship, and I have taken as many school courses and extracurricular classes in ceramics as possible, since middle school. During my high school years, I really started to focus on ceramics and to dream of making it my life.
In 1999, I graduated high school and enrolled in the University of Oklahoma as an art student. Here I studied under V lou Olivera and Jane Aebersold for four years. I learned innumerable things about myself and my art in my four years at this institution.
Immediately after I graduated in June of 2003, I searched for studio space and a part time job. I met Collin Rosebrook (owner/director of Paseo Pottery, Oklahoma City, OK)earlier in May and soon became his apprentice. Through this position, I have access to a full pottery studio, unlimited clay, and glazes in exchange for my assistance. Some of my duties include helping load kilns (electric and gas), cleaning the studio, helping customers in the gallery, and assistant teaching adult ceramic classes. Throughout the year I have worked on building a strong portfolio, as well as increasing my contacts and teaching skills. I also teach children and teen classes at the Fire House Art Center in Norman, OK. I am responsible for teaching students, loading and firing electric kilns, and cleaning the classroom/studio.
In spring of 2004 I was accepted to the University of Dallas masters program in ceramics. I am very excited about this opportunities, as it is the first step in fufilling my life's dream of becoming an art professor. School starts in September and I will keep you posted.

-Wow what a couple of years it has been. School was, of course, insainly hard. However, I managed to earn my Masters of Art degree last fall (2005) and am now hard at work with my MFA. After earning my MA I got a job at a community college here in Dallas and had my first real teaching experience at the college level. It was an experience, to say the least and I learned a lot. I have also been applying to as many national art shows as I have been able to afford. As you can see on my resume, I have been relatively successful in getting into them. Selling work, on the other hand, has been as difficult as always. Will keep you posted...

2004-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Wrapped Up

Stoneware, Iron Oxide Stain

20 inches by 18 inches

2004

Wrapped Up was inspired by my little niece. She came out one day, after a bath, completely wrapped in a towel, looking content and happy. This piece evolved from that image. It is not, of course, a portrait, but rather an abstract interpretation of this particular scene. My goal was to make this pot look as comfortable and complete as she did in that moment.

Wrapped Up (view 2)

2004-08-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Couple

Stoneware, Pit Fired

22 inches by 12 inches

2004

Couple is a piece that continues a theme I have been working on this past year. The theme is one of unity, yet individuality. At the base and at the top this piece is one, but the middle contains two seperate entities. The two seperate pieces are joined forever, but retain their own identities. It is perhaps modeled after my husband and myself.

Couple (view 2)

2004-08-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

Untitled(Holding)

Stoneware, Iron Oxide Stain

21 inches by 8 inches

2004

This piece is modeled on the familiar theme of mother and child. The large pot cradles and protects the smaller "egg," just as parent protects child.

Untitled (Holding) (view 2)

2004-08-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Holding

Stoneware, Iron Oxide Stain

20 inches by 7 inches

2004

Holding (view 2)

2004-08-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Unity

Stoneware, Iron Oxide Stain

23 inches by 12 inches

2004

Unity is a coil built form that was shaped as one coil was put on another. The basic form was sketched before building began, but the form was changed slightly as building progressed. After being built, texture was added to this piece by scraping the surface with a metal tool.

Unity (view2)

2004-08-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hanging

Stoneware, Iron Oxide Stain, Twine

24 inches by 10 inches

2004

Hanging (view 2)

2004-08-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

Family

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

13 inches by 7 inches

2004

2004-08-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Family of Free Forms

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

Tallest 12 inches by 4 inches

2004

The above small forms are first wheel thrown and then altered. These pieces allow great creative freedom and are well suited to experimentation. They take little time to make and allow for a great number of shapes. Because of these reasons, they are wonderful for warming my mind up and inspiring larger forms.

2004-08-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Small Free Form

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

6 inches by 3 inches

2004

2004-08-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Old Woman

Stoneware, Pit Fired

21 inches by 5 inches

2004

The title of this piece evolved after completion. What started as an experiment of form and details turned into a caricature. After I was finished with this piece, I was convinced that the protruding pieces at the top mimic the fur stall, or cloth shawl that wraps an older lady. Old Woman exemplifies the spontaneity and flexibility available within the ceramic media. What started as a simple bottle ended in a portrait.

Old Woman (view 2)

2004-08-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

Early Work

Tall Woman

Stoneware, Iron Oxide

30 Inches by 9 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T23:58:00.000-07:00

Woman

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

18 Inches by 9 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T23:57:00.000-07:00

Long Neck

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

18 Inches by 7 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Organic Waterfall

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

33 Inches by 15 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

Vase with Bell Neck

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

18 Inches by 7 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Stout

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

20 Inches by 13 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

Concave Belly

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

18 Inches by 9 Inches

2003

2004-08-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

Organic Column

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

19 Inches by 4 1/2Inches

2003

2004-08-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Organic Flower Vase

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

11 Inches by 4 Inches

2002

2004-08-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Crack

Stoneware, High Fire Glaze

24 Inches by 12 Inches

2002

2004-08-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Torn Slab Series (2001-2002)

Untitled (Flower Vase)

24Inches by 11 inches

Stoneware, Iron Oxide, Twine

Untitled

Stoneware, Iron Oxide

12 Inches by 10 Inches

Column

Stoneware, Iron Oxide

28 Inches by 5 Inches

Waterfall

Stoneware, Iron Oxide

12 Inches by 5 Inches

2004-08-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Boxes (2001-2002)

Rose

Stoneware, Wax, Found Objects

2 Inches by 6 Inches

Hammer Head and Nail

Stoneware, Wax, Found Objects

4 Inches by 4 1/2 Inches

Untitled Box

Stoneware, Found Objects

3 Inches by 4 Inches

Box With Cage

Stoneware, Wire, Found Objects

4 Inches by 4 Inches

Rotation

Wood, Found Objects

10 Inches by 5 Inches

Untitled Box With Wire

Wood, Wire, Found Objects

20 Inches by 16 Inches

Silver Stars

Sterling Silver, Thread, Colored Pencil

3 Inches by 4 Inches

2004-08-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

A Certain Type of Pit Firing

The above block highlights a relatively new process to me. To get a closer look at the pictures and descriptions click on the black square. Also shown are some of my newer pieces.

2004-08-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Burnishing

The above details a process called burnishing. This is only one type of burnishing, others may include rubbing piece with a smooth stone or spoon in the leather hard stage. To get the closest view, click on black box, then click on the lower right corner of pop up.