Christopher Russell “Ceramic Vessels & Painting”
Julie Saul Gallery
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After nearly 15 years of working exclusively in figurative ceramic sculpture, in 2017 Russell circled back to the most fundamental of ceramic traditions, making and decorating the vessel. Setting aside the structure and complexity of figurative sculpture, employing a wide array of surfaces, textures and markings, and playing with the endless possibilities of form, he has produced a body of varied work that continues to grow. We will present a selection of vessels made during the last two years, as well as ceramic “paintings,” wall pieces employing a rich variety of surfaces, colors and marks. These pieces function like paintings, without the constraints of figurative imagery or functional form.
Russell’s shift in approach to ceramic art has infused his work with renewed energy, and a sense of spontaneity. Inspired by visits to Henry Mercer’s Fonthill in Bucks County, PA, Russell began producing architectural ceramics in 1991, first for his own loft and then for private clients. His custom tile projects have been featured in the The New York Times, New York Newsday, Food & Wine, *and Tile and Stone*. His sculptural ceramics have been exhibited at the Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, NY; the Clay Center, Philadelphia, PA; and Greenwich House Pottery, New York, NY. He participated in the Kohler Arts Center Arts/Industry Residency Program in Sheboygan, WI, and was a visiting artist at Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Edgecomb, ME. In 2015, Russell had a major show at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, curated by Thomas Piché Jr and is accompanied by a catalogue. Russell received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in 1983. He lives and works in New York City.
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Schedule
from April 25, 2019 to June 15, 2019