Statement from the Artist: Ceramics by Bob Brisley

Statement from the Artist

A NY photographer interviews a ceramics artist. From Angela Cappetta's Contemporary Artist series. Today we feature Bob Brisley.

"Every day I am amazed to find that over the years, clay continues to challenge me and teach me about itself, but more importantly about myself." Bob Brisley

The ceramics I create transcend the purely functional mindset of pottery in favor of a more visual and textural language that has evolved out of observations and experience: out of nature and culture.  I find the bits of randomness and disorder most inspiring.  Nature, culture, and my life’s processes are sources of ideas and inspiration.

There are elements in human nature - spiritual, physiological, chemical - that relate to all people. A common language is spoken. We are of a common culture. Everyone is, in some way, known.  My work seeks to suggest rather than name that element."

Statement from the Artist article by NYC photographer Angela Cappetta

                   

Figure 1: Photograph of a 3-d sculpture by Bob Brisley

What is the story your fine art subject matter tells?

To enumerate:

  • creation
  • the challenge of design
  • emotion
  • overcoming insecurity
  • transforming the basic elements of nature into grace

This is my story of personal evolution.  Furthermore, I believe in the cultivation of natural media. Thereby, with all the complexities and possibilities, it asserts a continued impact on our understanding of life.  It’s a quest for salvation.

Statement from the Artist

Statement from the Artist article by NYC photographer Angela Cappetta

                   

Figure 2: Photograph of a 3-d sculpture by Bob Brisley

You seem to take regular objects and turn them into a full-on sensory experience. Am I in the ballpark?

Yes.  As I imply in my statement of being, I try to put something out there, an internal struggle, a desire to show the beauty of nature and life, something deep and not yet understood within me, and hope to suggest an element or a hint of that struggle and let my process inspire a reaction.

Tell us about your fine-art training.

So, I’ve always been a creator and expresser of my internal workings. I designed dream houses out of a pile of fall leaves at 9 years old. Later, I made computer-generated commercial art.  All inspired by what I sense around me. I formally studied ceramics in NYC and other areas of the world, Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, Italy, and in university textile design.

Statement from the Artist article by NYC photographer Angela Cappetta

                     

Figure 3: Photograph of a 3-d sculpture by Bob Brisley

How many pieces do you have going at a time?

That is very related to what is going on in my life.  I find the more anxiety and stress I am experiencing, the more I  experiment with multiple projects.  Currently, in my recent endeavor to build a strong sober life, I am more focused and confident than I have ever been.

Lastly, would you ever trade? I am in love with your work.

Yes.  I trade often and love to collect other artists’ work.  It humbles me, as I see in other’s work the possibility of being a better artist.  This comes from my journey to be more present. I want to accept fully that. And I'd like to be worthy of being called an Artist.

                             

Statement from the Artist

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