Artists Statement
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Profile
| Copyright © 2008 Allyson May and Stoney Creek Pottery. All rights reserved. |
As an artist I continually search for new, exciting ways in which I can express my true
voice. As a ceramics artist, the ever-changing medium of clay provides me the
opportunity to impart something of myself - something of my true voice, if you will - as
the foundation of my art.
My fascination has always been with the hand built vessel, in particular those of the
Pueblo Indian tribes. They would approach each and every creation with skill,
imagination and reverence. Their vessels were made to work, to serve, to worship, to
celebrate. More important, Indian culture also tells us each hand built vessel was
intended to live a life on its own; and by doing so, to carry a part of its maker
throughout all time.
My goal as an artist is to honor the intent and spirit of the craft embodied by these
artists of long ago, while exploring new ways to infuse energy and excitement in a way
that capture your attention and persuades you to pause for a moment...perhaps to
visualize more in the art than what can simply be seen.
Like the art that has influenced me, my work also carries a part of me within every
design and on every surface...who I am and what I wish to say is in the vessel before
you.
voice. As a ceramics artist, the ever-changing medium of clay provides me the
opportunity to impart something of myself - something of my true voice, if you will - as
the foundation of my art.
My fascination has always been with the hand built vessel, in particular those of the
Pueblo Indian tribes. They would approach each and every creation with skill,
imagination and reverence. Their vessels were made to work, to serve, to worship, to
celebrate. More important, Indian culture also tells us each hand built vessel was
intended to live a life on its own; and by doing so, to carry a part of its maker
throughout all time.
My goal as an artist is to honor the intent and spirit of the craft embodied by these
artists of long ago, while exploring new ways to infuse energy and excitement in a way
that capture your attention and persuades you to pause for a moment...perhaps to
visualize more in the art than what can simply be seen.
Like the art that has influenced me, my work also carries a part of me within every
design and on every surface...who I am and what I wish to say is in the vessel before
you.
"As one of the oldest mediums that combines both function and
beauty still in use, clay gives me a sense of dimension and
possibilities."
beauty still in use, clay gives me a sense of dimension and
possibilities."
In 1993, Allyson May retired from her teaching career and began to pursue - in
earnest - her interest in artistic expression. Clay quickly became her medium of
choice.
earnest - her interest in artistic expression. Clay quickly became her medium of
choice.
"I have always been fascinated with Native American pottery,
particularly that of the Pueblo Indian tribes. To me, the vessels
they create represent an amalgam of classic functionality perfectly
combined with an amazing sense of strength, grace, spirit and
perpetuity."
particularly that of the Pueblo Indian tribes. To me, the vessels
they create represent an amalgam of classic functionality perfectly
combined with an amazing sense of strength, grace, spirit and
perpetuity."
This fascination has guided Allyson throughout her artistic journey. Her unique ability
to view the world and interpret what is seen at the most elemental level has made it
possible for Allyson to fashion truly inspired pieces of art. Proficient in Raku, Naked
Raku, Saggar and Cone 6 functional ware, Allyson also develops her own glazes and
clays as a way of creating art that expresses and emotional message of the here and
now, while honoring the spirit of the Native American past.
to view the world and interpret what is seen at the most elemental level has made it
possible for Allyson to fashion truly inspired pieces of art. Proficient in Raku, Naked
Raku, Saggar and Cone 6 functional ware, Allyson also develops her own glazes and
clays as a way of creating art that expresses and emotional message of the here and
now, while honoring the spirit of the Native American past.
Selected Exhibitions
- 2011 From the Fire
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2010 ClayFest
Indianapolis, Indiana
- 2010 66th Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition
Terra Haute, Indiana
- 2008 Great Escapes
Rising Sun, Indiana
- 2007 63rd Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2006 ClayFest
Indianapolis, Indiana
- 2006 62nd Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2005 Local Clay 8th Annual Exhibition and Sale
Bloomington, Indiana
- 2004 Earth In Balance: A Regional Clay Competition
Kettering, Ohio
Awards
- 2010 Alliance of the Swope Award of Distinction
Swope Art Museum
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2007 Greer Artist Fellowship in Ceramics
Bloomington Area Arts Council
Bloomington, Indiana
- 2007 Award Of Honor
Swope Art Museum
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2006 Dr. Jack G. Weinbaum and Beatrice S. Hyman Award Of Excellence
Swope Art Museum
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2006 Permanent Collection Indiana State University Purchase Award
Swope Art Museum
Terre Haute, Indiana
- 2006 Honorable Mention
University Of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Publications
- 2008 Surface Designs For Ceramics
- 2008 Clay Times
July/August Issue
- 2007 Art-to-Art Pallette: A Midwest Regional Art-Based Print and Electronic
November/December Issue
Collections
- 2006 Permanent Collection
Terre Haute, Indiana