Andrew Perry Davis and Rachel Bleil

Andrew Perry Davis on "M"

NCECA300dpiAPD.jpg

Andrew Perry Davis, "M", 2017, Terra cotta with glaze, 17"x4"x4"

Artifacts or antique toys inspire many of the forms that I make. My favorite objects are ones that defy quick or easy interpretation. I use animal imagery to reference primal drives and break down class distinctions. I combine elements that, at first, seem to be contradictory, and I invite the viewer to play with interpretations. I want to hold on to that fleeting moment of translation that happens when you encounter something new. Most of my plaster molds are from original forms that I have sculpted. I use a terracotta casting slip and a variety of low fire surfaces.

About Andrew Perry Davis: Andrew Perry Davis is originally from South Carolina, where he completed his B.F.A. at Winthrop University in 1998. After completing his M.F.A. in Ceramics at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2002, he relocated to Michigan where he taught ceramics and drawing at Central Michigan University. In 2008, he was a juried nine-month resident at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Maine. He has been a ceramics program technician at IUPUI Herron School of Art and Design since 2011. His work has been featured in numerous group shows including “Materials Mastery” at Fort Hays State University, an exhibition in conjunction with the 49th Annual Kansas Artists Craftsmen Association Conference and the 4th Annual Lilstreet International, at Lilstreet Art Center in Chicago. In 2013 he curated “Creature Mythos,” a group show at Harrison Center for the Arts in Indianapolis featuring work inspired by animal myths or mythical animals. His work is published in 500 Animals in Clay, 2006, and Humor in Craft, 2012.

Rachel Bleil on her work: 

NCECA18largeRB.jpg

Rachel Bliel, Winged Guardian Bear, 2016, Stoneware & Underglazes, 27" x 11.5" x 5"

My work focuses on narrative, exploring the journeys and transformations of hybrid teddy bears.  The graphic quality of sgraffito captivates my current work and enhances each story. The subtle variations in line are expressive and leave behind a tactile surface texture. I choose teddy bears for their associations with childhood and their ubiquitous, yet supportive presence in our lives.  Each character exists and interacts within a specific environment. Through the chance meetings and exchanges that take place between characters, I explore and reflect on journeys of growth, change and adaptation.

About Rachel Bleil: Rachel Bleil is a ceramic artist living with chickens and a pig outside of Indianapolis, IN. She currently teaches ceramics at Purdue University with Sigrid Zahner. In the last few years Rachel has taught ceramics at Herron School of Art & Design in Indianapolis, Indiana University in Kokomo, and Indiana University East. Her trip around Indiana started at Indiana University at Bloomington, where she received her MFA in 2010. Rachel’s early handbuilt pots can be seen in Lark Books, 500 Cups, 500 Pitchers and The Best of 500 Ceramics. Rachel exhibits mostly in and around Indianapolis, IN.

Andrew Perry Davis and Rachel Bleil