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."

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

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.

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