Tara Wilson received her M.F.A. in ceramics from the University of Florida in 2003. Since graduation she has participated in various exhibitions, including The Naked Truth: 2004 International Juried Woodfired Exhibition, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, IA; Fifteenth San Angelo National Ceramic Competition, San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, TX; International Orton Cone Box Show, Baker University, KS; and Natural Essence, a solo exhibition at The Clay Studio of Missoula, MT. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly & Clay Times. She currently teaches and manages the ceramic studio at the University of
Artist Statement:
“Spending time outdoors is a necessity for me, whether it’s an afternoon walk with my dog or a week backpacking in the wilderness. These situations provide me calmness, a physical as well as mental space that allows me to relax, contemplate the events of my life, and escape the stressful demands of today's society. The peaceful serenity and tranquil emotions that I experience in such situations are qualities embodied in my wood fired ceramic vessels.
The rich surfaces of the vessels represent the natural world. Nature also inspires form, in some cases quite literally, as river rocks become saucers. Other pieces speak of this passion more subtly. Bases reference the landscape, evoking a sense of space and awareness of the land. Parallels can be drawn between processes in nature and ceramics, particularly in the process of wood firing. The kiln becomes like a river. Much like water, the flame flows through the work in the kiln and the pots become transformed (as do sedimentary rocks) during the process.
Pots have an inherent relationship with the figure, sharing many parts: foot, belly, shoulder, neck, and lip. This relationship is both anthropomorphic as well as zoomorphic. Gestural forms create a dialog between the ceramic vessels. The dialog is continuously changing as pieces are used and returned to another place on the shelf.
I believe the simple things in life are the most important. Whether my pots are used by families, friends, or just an individual spending time alone, my work allows people to recognize the important things in their own lives.”
