Venture

Justin Novak

Venture

2018

Ceramic, 9 in. x 12 in. x 3 in.

The wall piece that has been contributed to the exhibition explores the current of idealism that runs through the history of porcelain traditions. Because it is a tradition long dedicated to the rhetorical pursuits of lyricism, cuteness and sentimentality, the ceramic figurine holds the remarkable potential, whether intended or not, to reorient or question the familiar. The sanitized vitreous surface of the glazed figurine conjures a pristine sense of isolation; a virtual existence that is as cool and aloof as life in space. Viewed as allegorical figures, this pair might serve as a cypher through which to entertain discrepancies between our origins and aspirations.

Justin Novak has been an Associate Professor of Visual Art and Material Practice at Emily Carr since the Fall of 2007, where he teaches in the areas of Ceramics and Illustration. After receiving his BFA in Communications Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, Justin spent fifteen years working as a freelance illustrator in New York City, for a range of clients (including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, Macmillan Publishing, Harper Collins, Tor Books, and the Book-of-the-Month Club, among others). A second career followed, as an exhibiting artist working primarily in the medium of ceramics. Much of his ceramic work has been developed within international residency programs, including the Kohler Factory in Wisconsin, the Walbryzch Factory in Walbryzch, Poland, the Arabia Factory in Helsinki and the National Workshops of Art and Crafts in Copenhagen.

All information provided by Justin Novak.

http://justinnovak.com/

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