David Eichelberger
Design/Refine

MudFire Gallery welcomes David Eichelberger in February 2007 for his first solo exhibit in the Atlanta area. Eichelberger creates precision-crafted functional artworks with a refined modernist edge. The show will include over 100 pieces, ranging from sublime modernist tableware to commandingly massive display pieces.

The artist reception and exhibit opening will be held Saturday, February 10, from 5-9 pm. The exhibit and sale will be on display through March 10, 2007.

David will be doing demonstrations and teaching in the MudFire Clayworks studio on Friday, February 9 from 1 pm to 7 pm.

About the Artist

David Eichelberger is currently in his final year as resident artist at The Energy Xchange in Penland, North Carolina. He earned a BFA in Ceramics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, followed by additional studies at the Penland School of Craft. Prior to his Energy Xchange residency, David spent several years in New Mexico at Santa Fe Clay where he taught ceramics and was also involved in the gallery/retail operations. David fires his work in kilns fueled by recovered landfill gas, helping to protect the environment.

His artwork exhibits a refined sense of design, with crisp forms executed thoughtfully and flawlessly. The surface of his work is enhanced with quiet markings embodying a determined precision. Subtle variations in color and texture resulting from atmospheric firing add another dimension. The result is a fresh, futuristic feel that involves the viewer in quiet appreciation today, and a level of depth which hints at the stream of delightful surprises that will come with tomorrow's contemplation.

Relatively early in his career, David has established a polished voice and extraordinary style. He is an exceptional designer who already stands out in the next generation of ceramic artists. MudFire is thrilled to present to Atlanta an in-depth look at his latest thinking with this large collection of new work.

David Eichelberger
Artist Statement

I work within the boundaries of functional ceramics because it gives me the opportunity to share my artwork with viewers in a direct way. The finished vessel can be appreciated on display, in the hand, and on the table. This allows a relationship to form between the pottery and the user that can be straightforward and complex at the same time.

I am always finding beauty in both the organic world and in the man-made, industrial realm. There are overlapping qualities that captivate me, and when I perceive something as beautiful, I feel obligated to investigate why. Through this exploration I attempt to discover the reasons for my attraction, and then it is my goal to express those traits in my pottery.

One main characteristic in my work is the use of clean, graceful lines in the profile of a pot. I choose delicate, smooth curves because of their ability to be comfortable and at ease when viewed. Another trait in my art is the repetitive use of lines and dots. I use these motifs to portray aspects growth patterns as seen under a microscope, in plants, and also in urban housing and building construction projects. The decorations are not an attempt to literally mimic those things, but rather to reflect their qualities of density, complexity, and uniformity.

The whiteness of the porcelain I use allows my glazes to stay bright, and it keeps the decoration crisp. I prefer for my pottery to be refined and precise, but simple and inviting at the same time. Every pot I make leads to the next, leading to continued exploration.

David Eichelberger
Artist Resume

Education

2000, BFA Ceramics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Related Education

Fall 2005, Penland School of Craft, Clay Studio, Studio Assistant

Spring 2001, Penland School of Craft, Clay Studio

Summer 2000, Penland School of Craft, Clay Studio

Experience

October 2004 - Present, The EnergyXchange, Artist in Residence, Burnsville, NC, Full-time studio potter. Producing income through a combination of gallery representation, retail shows, and studio sales.

September 2005 - November 2005, Penland School of Craft, Studio Assistant, Penland NC. Provided technical support during two-month class with instructors Linda McFarling and Gertrude Graham Smith.

June 2002 - August 2004, Santa Fe Clay, Warehouse, Retail, Gallery, Santa Fe, NM. Responsible for smooth operation of warehouse functions. Ensured accurate and complete delivery of product lines to area potters. Educated and advised customers in their purchase of appropriate supplies including clay, glazes, kilns, and raw materials. Spoke knowledgably about ceramics to prospective clients. Promoted gallery sales and assisted in show setup. Digitally photographed work and sent email images to collectors.

October 2003-August 2004, Santa Fe Clay, Class Instructor, Santa Fe, NM. Demonstrated and explained forming techniques to adult class. Answered questions and provided appropriate direction on an individual basis. Taught classes ranging from beginning wheel throwing to advanced throwing and altering.

January 2002 - April 2002, Roanoke County Parks and Recreation, Class Instructor, Roanoke, VA. Taught adult class of beginner and intermediate students with an emphasis on wheel throwing and altering.

March 2001-May 2001, Penland School of Craft, Work Study, Penland, NC. Worked in exchange for tuition scholarship.

2004, Santa Fe Clay, Technical Assistant, Santa Fe, NM. Alleghany Meadows.

2000 & 2001, New River Ceramics Symposium, Technical Assistant, Blacksburg, VA. Nick Joerling, Silvie Granatelli, Michael Simon, Ellen Shankin.

Show History

January 2003, Faculty Show, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM.

July 2003, Yunomi Invitational, The Kiln Door, Durango, CO.

May 2004, Soda/ Salt National, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT.

December 2004, Common Ground, Leedy-Voulkos Gallery, Kansas City, MO.

February 2005, The Contemporary Cup, Lill Street Art Center, Chicago, IL.

March 2005, La Mesa, National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts (by Santa Fe Clay Co.), Baltimore, MD.

May 2005, The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring, Santa Fe Clay Co., Santa Fe, NM.

September 2005, Cups, Cups, Cups, Santa Fe Clay Co., Santa Fe, NM.

February 2006, 30/30, Lill Street Art Center, Chicago, IL.

February 2006, The Potters of The EnergyXchange, MudFire Gallery, Decatur, GA.

March 2006, Atlanta ACC Craft Show, Atlanta, GA.

November 2006, Charlotte ACC Craft Show, Charlotte, NC

January 2007, Coming Up Down South, Emerging Artists of the Southeast, Blue Spiral Gallery, Asheville, NC.

February 2007, "Design/Refine" solo show, MudFire Gallery, Decatur, GA.

March 2007, Atlanta ACC Craft Show, Atlanta, GA.