Bio
Grace Stott (b. 1990, Princeton, NJ, she/her) Grace Stott is a graduate of Tufts University and SMFA with additional educational experience at CalArts. Grace's work has been shown in numerous galleries and art spaces around the United States, including The Mint Museum, Charlotte, Mrs., New York, Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston, and a solo show in 2020 at Fuller Rosen Gallery, Oregon. Grace was a 2017 artist-in-residence at Bunker Projects in Pittsburgh, PA, and is an active member of the Goodyear Arts Collective, an artist-led non-profit residency. In conjunction with her studio practice, she has organized curatorial and community projects. You can also see her work in various public art installations around Charlotte, NC.
Artist Statement
I am a sculptor working primarily in ceramics and mixed-media installations with undulating puzzle-like pieces conceptualized through free association. I am drawn to the unpredictable nature of clay and how it creates a magical separation between me and the end result. I’m fascinated by the tension created by the historical weight of ceramics in contrast to my whimsical works. I strive to elevate the ordinary and infuse it with surreal playfulness using bright colors and pop imagery to create a dream world of femme empowerment, cherubic cuteness, and decadence, were cats reign supreme. Driven by my experiences and identity, I find inspiration in the emotional complexities of motherhood, the relationship I have to my body, and my multicultural heritage. Above all, I’m captivated by the fresh perspective and wonder of viewing the world through my toddler’s eyes. I'm forever searching for the uncanny feelings, and the heart swells that shape our lives, and I hope to create a world that is both fantastical and relatable.
Bio
Originally from Florida, Joanna moved to South Carolina in 2007, where she began her education and career in art. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Winthrop University in 2015 and went on to intern with the Charlotte Art League and the C&H Museums of York County. Joanna is an ArtPop Street Gallery alum and the Artist Development Coordinator for the Catawba Indian Nation. Her work has been featured in multiple exhibitions, and markets throughout the east coast. Currently, Joanna continues her practice as a studio artist and teaches pottery classes at the Village Studio & Gallery in Charlotte, NC.
Artist Statement
I believe that the communal aspects of functional pottery are significant. The shape, design, and function of a pot inform its surroundings; making it able to enhance social gatherings. My goal for my pottery is to implore the viewer to hold and use them in settings that encourage fellowship. I want those who experience my work to touch, hold, explore, and most importantly, find their own personal use for it.
Charlotte, North Carolina
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Bio
A native of Taiwan, I came to North Carolina State University, College of Design for graduate study in Landscape Architecture. I took up pottery as a hobby in the early 2000s after seeing the NCECA (National Council on Education for The Ceramic Arts) annual conference and exhibitions in Charlotte. Since my retirement from 30-plus years of practice as a landscape architect, I have been continuing to learn and make art. Ceramic art remains to be my focus among many artistic disciplines. Sculpting, drawing, and painting on clay pots is my way of journaling; I jot down what I hear, what I see, what I think, or what has been activated in my brain at that moment.
Late artist Jean Dubuffet said it the best about art: “…Art must make you laugh a little and make you a little afraid. Anything as long as it doesn’t bore.”. And I intend to do just that.
Artist Statement
Clay is a very malleable material. I enjoyed working with this special property of clay to create various shapes and forms, functional or sculptural.
Bio
Nico Amortegui was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia among a family filled with creative types from architects and carpenters to designers and visual artists. Known for large-scale works, his mural works can be found in numerous cities including Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Durham, Atlanta, DC, and Tel Aviv. Nico has completed 12 solo shows in four states since 2012 and 50+ group shows throughout the East Coast. Most notably, you can see his work with the Smithsonian Latinx (Gateways) Collection and regionally, at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, gates B7 & B10. He enjoys spending time in the ceramic’s studio and his elaborate garden. Nico lives in Charlotte with his wife, two daughters, and studio companion - a chocolate Lab.
Artist Statement
My body of work is influenced by the genre of folk art and my love for symmetry and bold color. I learned numerous skills and trades by doing and have a tremendous appreciation for generational, artisan craft. My technical background as an artist is founded in construction and building. I enjoy working with a variety of media especially with 3D pieces where I can incorporate found objects, plants, tile, or clay. Much of my work can be considered raw as I create at an urgent pace, which I feel is an energy or idea that takes over me. Ceramics are a passion that I found later in life. Because clay forces me to slow down, I find it unforgiving and personal in many ways. I want my ceramic pieces to become functional art and spark joy toward the daily things we do from drinking coffee to watering plants.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Bio
I grew up in Baltimore County, Maryland. I discovered an interest in drawing and creating in 4th grade when I was recruited to help with the class bulletin boards. While studying at Townson University in Townson, MD, I got married, finished my degree in Art Education and immediately began raising my three children, After my youngest child went off to college I decided to take a potter class at a local art center, remembering how much I enjoyed ceramics in college. I attended classes and workshops as much as possible while working various full- time jobs. I enjoy making functional pottery while adding my love of drawing to each piece through carving and sgraffito, striving to create functional pieces of art.
Artist Statement
I love working with clay because of the endless creative possibilities.
