Kyle Carpenter

Kyle Carpenter of Asheville, NC, returns to the MudFire Gallery for his annual spring showing. Kyle manages to surprise and amaze us every year. His work is constantly evolving, yet he remains true to the signature vocabulary, finishes, and design sensibility that made him one of MudFire's most popular artists. Don't miss the opening reception - his dedicated following will be here at 5pm sharp!

The exhibit runs May 13 through June 3, of 2006. An opening night artist reception and gala celebration will be held Saturday, May 13, from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Kyle Carpenter - Artist Statement

In 1996, I came to the Asheville area to get an education. I have since graduated, married, and made my home here. I was schooled in Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics. A few years after working a 9-5 job, I made the leap to be a full-time potter.

I make pots because it's creative, hands-on, challenging, demanding, and satisfying. All of my pottery is salt-fired. On some occasions, a wood-fired piece will make its way into my inventory. I've always been interested in atmospheric kilns. The pottery's variation in surface offers subtle change in a limited palette. Before I chose ceramics as a major in college, I had considered illustration. This is why I turn to the brush to pattern the pot. The wet brush allows me to loosen up my otherwise tight forms.

I continue to experiment with form while keeping it simple. Making simple pots appeals to me. All work is raw-glazed and single-fired. This allows me to have continuity throughout the making process. The process is what hooks us potters: Wedging clay, pulling the wall of a pot, brushing slips and glazes, firing the kiln, and happy customers.

Kyle Carpenter - Artist Resume

Experience

Highwater Clays, Technical Sales, Asheville, NC, May 2000 - Nov. 2001

Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC, Pottery Instructor Aug. 2000 - April 2001

Asheville High School, Asheville, NC, Art Teacher, Ceramics Teacher Feb. 2002 - June 2002

Carpenter Pottery, Asheville, NC, Studio Potter, Sole Proprietor June 2002 - Present

Education

University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, NC, Bachelor of Fine Arts 2000

Lord Fairfax Community College, Middletown, VA, 1995

UNCA Ceramics Dept. Workshop, Asheville, NC, Josh Deweese 1999

Odyssey Studio Class, Asheville, NC, Linda McFarling, "Cups, Bowls, & Plates" 2000

Odyssey Studio Workshop, Asheville, NC, Mark Peters, "Advanced Wheel Techniques" 2002

Exhibitions

UNCA Student Exhibition, Asheville, NC, Owen Gallery 1998,1999,2000

NC Student Exhibition, Greensboro, NC, 1998,1999

UNCA Student Invitational, Asheville, NC, Asheville Gallery of Art 1999

UNCA Alumni Exhibition, Asheville, NC, Owen Gallery 2000-2003

"Strictly Functional Pottery National", Lancaster, PA, Market Place Craft Center 2001

"Hand-Held Cup Show", Asheville, NC, Odyssey Gallery 2001

Solo Exhibition: "Stoneware Forms", Cary, NC, Jordan Hall Arts Center Feb. 2003

Solo Exhibition: "Making Marks", Atlanta, GA, MudFire Gallery 2003

"Teapots-A-Go-Go", Atlanta, GA, MudFire Gallery 2003

"Burlon Craig Pottery Festival", Lincolnton, NC, 2003

"Lazy Daze" Arts & Crafts Festival, Cary, NC, Jerry Miller Award Recipient 2003

Group Exhibition: "Asheville in Atlanta", Atlanta, GA, Acted as curator, MudFire Gallery 2003

"Salt & Pepper Show", Asheville, NC, Odyssey Gallery 2003

Solo Exhibition: "New Works", Cary, NC, Jordan Hall Arts Center Oct. 2003

Solo Exhibition: "Rhythm", Atlanta, GA, MudFire Gallery 2004

"Teapots-A-Go-Go 2", Atlanta, GA, MudFire Gallery 2004

"Artsplosure" Arts & Crafts Festival, Raleigh, NC, 2004

Group Exhibition: "Potters & Their Mentors", Asheville, NC, American Folk Gallery 2004

"Art in the Park" Arts & Crafts Festival, Blowing Rock, NC, 2004

"Lazy Daze" Arts & Crafts Festival, Cary, NC, 2004

Group Exhibition: "Functional Ceramics Experimental Fibers", Tryon, NC, The Upstairs Gallery, 2004

Group Exhibition: "Asheville in Atlanta II", Atlanta, GA, Acted as curator, MudFire Gallery 2004

Group Exhibition: "Butter Dish", Asheville, NC, Odyssey Gallery 2004

Group Exhibition: "Serve This!", Atlanta, GA, Mudfire Gallery 2004

Two Person Exhibition: Asheville, NC, Asheville Arts Alliance, Front Gallery 2004

Publications

Clay Times Magazine, "The Gallery" July/August 2003
Ceramics Monthly, "Upfront" April, 2004
Clay Times Magazine, feature article May/June 2004