"Polka Dots"
Courtney Martin

MudFire Gallery announces an invitational exhibit of functional and sculptural works in clay with a focus on the lovable polka dot.

The artist reception and exhibit opening will be held Saturday, April 14, from 5-9 pm. The exhibit and sale will be on display through May 5, 2007.

Courtney Martin Artist Statement

When I sit down at my wheel to make pots, I think about how they will be used. Will this bowl be the right form for black bean chili? Is this pitcher best for sweet tea or maybe just ice water? How will cherry tomatoes look presented in my pottery? It is exciting to me that I may create something as intimate as the cup for your hot chocolate. When I think about how I will glaze the pots, I often imagine my decorations as dressing the ware. Where I will put dots, where I will lay lines. How will the pattern wrap itself around the pot? After the pots are all gussied up, I load them into the kiln. I love contemplating the flames circling the pottery, and placing the pots where they need be so that the finished ware looks and feels desirable. My aim is to make pots with integrity, which continue to be sweet and joyful.

Courtney Martin Bio

Courtney Erin Martin creates original pottery in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She was raised in New York and has always had an interest in art. She learned to make pots while attending the University of New Mexico where she obtained a BFA in ceramics. Since attending the University, Courtney has studied with and learned from many talented potters from all over the world. She spent four years working with and for many potters, while developing her voice through her pots. Courtney exhibits her work regularly as she shows with several galleries and is in many private collections. In 2006 she was awarded the Regional Artists Project Grant through a collaboration of arts councils in Western North Carolina. Using throwing and handbuilding techniques and her own glazes, Courtney generates lively and fun pottery for use.

Courtney Martin Resume

Education

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. B.F.A. with an emphasis in Ceramics. Studied under Gina Bobrowski and Bill Gilbert. Studies also included summer sessions in Mata Ortiz, Mexico with Juan Quezada. B.F.A. exhibition at the South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM, May 2001.

Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC. Scholarship recipient- Ceramics workshop with Terry Gess, Summer 2002.

Exhibitions and Shows

The Old English Inn Invitational Pottery Show and Sale, Spruce Pine, NC. October 14 and 15, 2006.

Fall Celebration of Arts; Annual Juried Exhibition, at the Toe River Arts Council. Spruce Pine, NC. September 23 to November 4, 2006

Grants

2006-2007 Regional Artist Project Grant, funding towards building a single chamber, wood-burning kiln. A collaborative funding effort of the North Carolina Arts Council, Asheville Arts Council, Avery Arts Council, Madison County Arts Council, and Toe River Arts Council.

Employment History

Assistant to Terry Gess, Bakersville, NC. February 2002- present. Assist in the production of a line of functional ceramics, responsibilities including plate production, glaze work, and integral daily studio maintenance including cleaning kiln shelves, pugging clay, packing and shipping.

Assistant to Diana Gilespie, Asheville Tileworks, Asheville, NC. March 2003- present. Assist in the production of decorative tiles. Duties include pressing and glazing of tiles, loading kilns, packing and shipping.

Studio Assistant: Cynthia Bringle, Michael Kline, Penland, NC. Assist in the production of functional ceramics and general studio maintenance.

Penland School of crafts, Penland, NC. Summer 2006, Studio Assistant- Workshop focusing on the relationship between pots with Holly Walker and Linda Casbon.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gaitlinburg, TN, Fall 2004, Studio Assistant- Hand building workshop with Holly Walker.

Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC. Summer 2004, Studio Assistant- Wheel throwing and Hand building workshop with Terry Gess.

Odyssey Center for the Ceramics Arts, Asheville, NC. Summer 2004, Studio Assistant- Glaze calculation workshop with John Britt.

Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT. Summer 2003, Teaching assistant to Shawn Ireland and Lisa Stinson. Naborigama Kiln Building workshop.

Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM. Summer 2002, Studio Assistant- Ceramics workshop with Rosaline Delisle.

Kiln Building Experience

Modified Thai-Shaped Kiln, Fall 2003, with Michael Hunt, Bakersville, NC

Naborigama Kiln, Summer 2003, with Shawn Ireland and Lisa Stinson, Canton Clay Works, Canton, CT. Written about in January 2004 Ceramics Monthly.

Sprung Arch Salt Kiln, Summer 2002, with Mark Tomczak and Matt Wilt, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, Asheville, NC

Anagama Kiln, Spring 1999, with Bill Gilbert, Madrid, NM