Kim Dryden

Kim Dryden at MudFire

Solo show Oh Shino!, September 2006

Kim Dryden Artist Bio

Kim Dryden studied ceramics and lives in North Carolina, where her artistic career has been steadily gathering momentum since completing the post-baccalaureate Graduate-Professional Pottery Program at Haywood Community College in 2002. She was accepted in 2003 into the prestigious Southern Highland Craft Guild, and shows her work in approximately 15 galleries throughout the southeast. More recently she has begun teaching workshops at her alma mater and other art centers. Dryden has begun exploring woodcraft and been experimenting with intersections between wood and her clay work.

Kim Dryden and Shino Glaze

Shino glazes for ceramic ware are believed to have originated in the Mino and Seto regions of Japan in the 15th century. This surface treatment was initially revisited in the United States in the 1970's by students of Warren McKenzie in Minnesota, and carried on in depth by Malcolm Davis in Washington, DC. These "American shinos" are extremely sensitive to variations in kiln atmosphere, and a single glaze formulation may vary widely in appearance depending on placement, firing practice, and method of application. These variables provide fertile ground for the adventurous, resulting in growing appreciation and use by contemporary ceramicists. Shino glazes were recently the feature of a major exhibition concurrent with the 2005 NCECA conference, the world's leading ceramic professional and academic gathering. Curated by shino master Malcolm Davis, "Shino Review" was a highlight of the conference. Dryden's work was included in this important juried exhibit.

Kim Dryden Artist Statement

My work in clay has been devoted exclusively to porcelain using both the pottery wheel and hand-building techniques. I am greatly influenced by the human form, in particular human gestures we see daily. When I create my pots it’s like creating little characters. I discover attitudes in the way the pot stands, in the placement of attachments, in shape and size and in proportions. I continually sketch ideas and experiment with new forms and proportions. My pots constantly change through success and failure, from what I envision to the outcome. I always ask myself “how can I make that pot better”.

The glaze I use is a Carbon-trap Shino Glaze which appeals to both our visual and tactile senses. It has a warm, earthy look and gives lots of color and movement when overlapped with other glazes. I have no control over the glaze once it is being fired in the kiln so it’s always a surprise. Just like life.

Through the years I have watched my figurative drawings come to life. I am inspired by the human body and strive to make pots fun, friendly, and beaming with character. I hope you will discover the friendly characters of my pots that grow more personal with each use.