Kyle Carpenter

Kyle Carpenter of Asheville, NC, makes his Atlanta solo show debut at the MudFire Gallery with an exhibit of salt-fired functional pottery. The exhibit runs March 7-20, 2003. An opening artists reception will be held March 7 beginning at 7pm.

About Kyle Carpenter

Kyle Carpenter lives and maintains a studio in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

His pottery is made for the hand and home, with a focus on utility directly related to his love of cooking and presentation. "I draw inspiration from simplistic forms in nature, and rely on and respect traditional techniques while experimenting with form in a non-traditional manner. This keeps my process evolving and fresh."

Kyle's work is salt-fired in an atmospheric kiln, yielding subtle variations and offering unpredictable movement within the forms. Each pot is always different from the one next to it. "My kiln is my silent partner."

Kyle attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where here received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics in 2000. In addition to focusing on ceramics, he also studied drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. This broad arts background reveals itself in his work in several ways. Many of his forms exhibit a strong sense of design and sculpture. His work is also often decorated with elegant marks of distinction.

Prior to focusing full-time on the creative process, Kyle worked for Highwater Clays, a prestigious clay manufacturer and ceramics studio in Asheville. In recent years, Kyle was fortunate to be able to teach ceramics at Blue Ridge Community College and within the Asheville city school system. He is now a full time functional potter in Asheville, NC, and exhibits his work nationally.

"I really enjoy being able to bring something handmade into a person's life."