We are pleased to present new works by American ceramic artist Paul Briggs, including his most recent collection of pinch pots.

Above: Caltrop Water Chestnut Vessels, 12.75″H x 8.25″Dia each

 

       

         

Above, clockwise from upper left:  Windflower Vessel 13″H x 10″Dia,

Caltrop Water Chestnut Vessel 12.75″H x 8.25″Dia,

Ivy Vase 11.75″H x 7.5″Dia,  Caltrop Water Chestnut Vessel 7.5″H x 6.5″Dia

Paul Briggs discovered clay in high school and the material has remained his medium. Since 2016, his work has followed 2 paths, the meditative (zoning out) and the contemplative (zeroing in). He expresses them both in ceramics.

The pinched pots allow him a release from the expectation of perfection in life and work that can take the joy out of making. Each piece is realized from a single ball of clay to which he neither adds nor subtracts.

With these works made in stoneware, he immerses himself in tactile virtuosity focusing on the visual transition from row to row of leaf or petal, being guided by nature and the material he has allotted himself.

Above, from left:  Spiked Vessel 8.75″H x 9″Dia,  Blooming Vase 15″H x 7″Dia

Paul Briggs was born in 1963 and grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley. His interests have ranged from art and education to rabbinical literature, and back again to ceramics where the creative and spiritual combine in his current practice.

He holds degrees from City College, Oral Roberts, Penn State, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, where he is a member of the faculty.

         

         

Above, clockwise from upper left: Whorl Vessel 13.5″H x 7″Dia,  Spiked Spathe Vessel 8.5″H x 8.25″Dia, Whorl Vessel 9.5″H x 6.75″Dia,  Windflower 11.25″H x 8.5″Dia