Shannon Elizabeth Tovey

Education
2012B.F.A Ceramics, New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred NY

Experience

2016     Aritist in Residernce Shangyu Celadon Modern International Ceramic Art Center

2015       Artist in Residence, Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle, Australia

              Instructor, Slipcasting from a Found Object Workshop, Fremantle, Australia
              Instructor, Teen Throwing Classes, Fremantle, Australia
2012-13  Artist in Residence, Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino, CA
              Studio Assistant, Matt Kelly, Mendocino, CA
2012       Sales Worker, La Mesa Show sponsored by Santa Fe Clay, NCECA Seattle, WA
2011       Summer Intern, David Frederickson, NYSCC, Alfred, NY
              Museum Guard, Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art, Susan  Kowalczyk, Alfred, NY 

Exhibitions

2015     Whateverists, Hot Soup Gallery, Fremantle, Australia
2012      Artist in Residence Show, Mendocino Art Center Gallery, Mendocino, CA
             Winter Showcase, Rogan Studio, Mendocino, CA
2013     Winter Ware, Circa Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
            Profile Show, Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY
            Senior Show, Harder Hall, Alfred, NY
            Arranging Function, Turner Gallery, Alfred, NY
            Genesee Pottery, Genesee, NY
2011    Junior Pottery, Harder Hall, Alfred, NY
            Funktion, Rhodes Room, Alfred, NY
2010    The Working Show, Rhodes Room, Alfred, NY
2009    Foundations Final Show, The Cohen Gallery, Alfred, NY
2008    Foundations Show, Davis Gym, Alfred, NY

Skills
Slip Casting, Mold Making, Sledging, Plaster Knowledge, Wheel, Hand building, Glaze Processing, Clay mixing: Knowledge of the Soldner and Shar Mixers, Firing of Gas, Salt, Soda, and Electric Kilns, Show Setup, Kiln Building, Relevant work: Raw Materials, Glaze Calculations, Photo development and printing, Painting wet mediums: oil, watercolor, ink, Dry mediums: charcoal, pastel, pencil, Color Theory, Stretching/Preparing canvas, Pigment mixing

Shannon Tovey
Artist Statement  

The way objects are held, whether resting or firmly grasped, is often an unconscious act.  It is a simple moment of tactility that awakens an experience.  With interior and exterior space in mind, I combine convex and concave curves to create forms that entice the hands of the user to turn pieces over and over.  Subtle impressions imply evidence of nesting or a memory of pieces functioning together.  In turn, the arrangement organizes these multiples and heightens an awareness of individuality.

Carving from solid blocks of plaster, I intuitively add and subtract in response to fluidity in the object.  It is in these moments unexpected sculptural forms embedded in my designs are discovered.  Embracing this and allowing a single detail to become the sole function of a piece provides a presence beyond my intentions.

Shifts in form dictate how surface is divided up.  Lines wrap and overlap to create miniature compositions of soft texture and layered values.  The rich tone of bare clay is preserved through minimal glazing while intentional line repetition contributes to depth.  Reflecting personal attraction to color, my simplified palette allows the viewer to focus on details accentuated by surface applications.