I am drawn to the histories of objects, and how the ideas and stories embedded within them change over time. The object may physically change, but it is the gaze of society that can alter the meaning of the object. Throughout history the desire that people have had to create has connected makers to the world around them. But in a world that is full of the endlessly abundant commodified object how do we come to connect to a particular locale, or to understand the global world where we are now living?
The physical presence of sculpture grounds it to our own space when being viewed. I am concerned with how separate objects change through their spatial relationships and how the presence of the viewer expands upon that experience.
While at The Clay Studio I will explore these themes in different bodies of artwork, the first centered on the idea of reflection, both as a physical property and an inward form of contemplation. I am looking forward to exploring Philadelphia and finding ways to work with others in the community of The Clay Studio and throughout the city.
Bio
Chris M. Rodgers is a native of Charleston, WV. He earned his BA from West Virginia State University. He spent several years teaching English in Beijing, China before continuing his education at Kansas State University through their post-baccalaureate program and then on to study ceramics at Tainan National University of the Arts in Tainan, Taiwan. He earned his MFA at the University of Arkansas in the spring of 2019. Rodgers most recently attended several artist residency programs including c.r.e.t.a. Rome, Rome, Italy; Watershed Center for the Ceramics Arts, Maine; Ox-Bow School of Art, Michigan; and Casa Lü Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico. He was awarded the Governor’s Purchase Award at the 2019 West Virginia Juried Exhibition.
