Life is movement and change, ceramics attempt to capture that by freezing a moment of that experience with fire. Every piece, whether functional or decorative, is the result of a process that takes a lump of clay and moves the particles into a new position based on intent and some chance. I try to respect that movement by highlighting the changes that may not be immediately seen to the naked eye. Color and carving highlight how the clay is altered at each step of the process and challenge the viewers expectations for how mud and rock took on their current form.
Bio
My name is Thomas Johnson, and I was born in Washington D.C. but grew up in the Northeast. I’ve had an interest in art my entire life but didn’t find a medium that spoke to me until I found ceramics. I am a lifelong student of art but never felt the draw to participate until ceramics which has, in turn, kindled my desire to learn techniques and methods from all sorts of different mediums. My work with underglazes and colored porcelain was initially kindled from discussions with other artists and trying to adapt their techniques and tools to ceramics. I have been a student at the Art League in Alexandria, VA for over 10 years now which is where I make and fire the majority of my work. I’ve exhibited in student/faculty shows at the Art League and regularly exhibit my work at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, also in Alexandria, VA.
