The unknown, uncertain and unexplained are the driving forces behind my creative process. Many of my newest sculptures have references to the fungi kingdom, a source of inspiration that has exploded for me over the past few years. The diversity of their shapes and colors, paired with their elusiveness and mysteriousness, have inspired me to incorporate them into my artwork. Primarily made from clay, my sculptures also include other elements carefully added with great attention to detail. These non-clay parts adorn the works and either blend seamlessly with the ceramic base, or contrast it, adding visual interest. My otherworldly artworks provoke wonder and examination, generating an intangible human experience through curiosity, caution, attraction and fear. While some are symbolic of situations encountered around our world, all of these obscure oddities help convey a message regarding this mysterious life we live, in a universe yet to be fully explored.
About the Artist
Brad Blair is an artist, educator and gallery coordinator living in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned an M.F.A. degree from Florida State University (FSU) focusing on ceramics and sculpture. Prior to FSU, he graduated from Towson University with a B.S. degree, majoring in Art & Design. Aside from making and exhibiting artwork nationally, Blair is an adjunct professor at Towson University, gallery coordinator at Harford Community College, and instructor of ceramic classes at The New Phoenix Pottery and Manor Mill. Using his sense of creativity, imagination and patience, Blair builds detailed ceramic with mixed media sculptures that open the viewer's mind up to a different reality, the unknown.Brad Blair website View Website Brad Blair website View Gallery
Artist's Statement
Most of my works are thrown on the potters wheel. From there, they are cut, carved, stamped, added to, and altered in various ways. They get fired in the kiln three or more times to gain a desired finished surface. After the final firing, I add the glass eyes, metal ball bearings, faux fur, etc., etc., till I'm satisfied with the results.Featured Work
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