Narrative + Ceramics: Thinking through Making
Session 1 | June 8–20
Bicycle by Kevin Snipes, 2018. Porcelain, glaze, underglaze, oxide wash, mid range, 6" x 10" x 3".
In this workshop, we will primarily work with clay, but each day will also incorporate small exercises in creative narrative building and imagery generation on paper. Our goal is to explore the possibilities of the intersection of ceramics and comics, allowing you to imagine concepts from one medium and bring your ideas to life in the other. Throughout the workshop, we will think of narrative in the broadest of terms—starting with a simple idea and then transitioning it in incremental steps to expand it into new directions. Participants will consider a wide range of options for combining ceramics and storytelling, from creating simple wall tiles to constructing dynamic comic characters as sculptures in clay. Prior experience in ceramics required, along with a willingness to explore and experiment, without the need for mastery, and a desire to express your vision of personal observations of life around you through creative messaging, narrative, and imagery.
Kevin Snipes (he/him) is an American artist known for his ceramic work that blurs the boundaries between craft and art. Born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Cleveland, OH, Snipes has cultivated a unique artistic style that combines narratives, figure drawing, text, and hand-formed porcelain constructions, resulting in 3D objects that can also be interpreted as multi-layered paintings. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Snipes received a BFA in Ceramics and Drawing from the Cleveland Institute of Art and attended graduate studies at the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has worked and lived in numerous places, allowing his surroundings to augment his sense of self. Currently he calls Philadelphia, PA home.