Kerry Shea

medium: ceramics

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Serpentine 2002 Ceramics	Turtleman 2002 Ceramics	Wavy 2002 Ceramics
Rubberlips 2002 Ceramics	Comin' Out 2003 Ceramics	Crazyheads 2002 Ceramics
Fishy Wish 2003 Ceramics	Keeping Secrets 2003 Ceramics	Katrina (detail w/glass jellyfish sphere) 2005 Ceramics
Blues Lady Planter 2005 Ceramics

Contact information
Artist resides in: Oregon, WI
Email Address: claybyshea@msn.com
Web site: www.kerrylynnshea.com/

Artist statement
My hope is that different forms of art will encourage communication. A multitude of emotions arise as an intriguing story unfolds; its form may contain elements of humor, fantasy, mystery and beauty. I believe this essential process of creating art may ease pain and, at other times, release joy. The dynamics involved while unleashing creativity are both exciting and complex. An artist may create a personal dialogue between the viewer and herself. While sculpting, I let my subconscious thoughts direct me as each piece develops a unique personality. Drawing from natural and imaginary forms provides infinite subject matter. Each visual and tactile story that develops within my clay sculptures demands complete absorption creating a sense of release from paralyzing fear as multi-faceted emotions are explored. And because clay can become anything the worker desires, a sense of control is regained. Whether portraying elements of a dream or an exciting adventure, the artist should honestly answer questions. More important than creating a product to please an audience is self-discovery. I strive to create finely crafted characters so expressive that they will ask each viewer to call upon an emotion, experience or memory.

Biography
Beginning as a child, I've always loved experimenting in order to create something unique. Throughout my education, I was never content with traditional expression. (I graduated from Edgewood College, cum laude, with a bachelor of science degree in art education and taught art in public schools.) I still enjoy drawing, painting and printmaking on occasion, but currently find clay the best method for expression. During my college education designed for teaching art, I had taken only three ceramics courses so had very limited knowledge about clay. I began working independently with clay two years ago. I am now involved in outdoor art shows and gallery exhibitions. And while I intend to continue sculpting in clay, I plan to continue exploring other techniques. My favorite subject matter is non-traditional figures but I also plan to create non-representational works emphasizing highly textured surfaces that invite the viewer to touch each work.