"Polka Dots"
Lisa Bradley

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.

Lisa Bradley Artist Statement

My work is a visual walk into my imaginary Candyland world. Nostalgia fuels my desire to make pottery which embodies the ideas of history, family, and special occasions. As a potter I create handmade pieces that are colorful, decorative, and celebratory. While growing up my mother reserved her heirloom service ware for holidays and special occasions. I have always been inspired by the elegant forms of European Porcelain and the playful colors and textures of Depression Glassware.

Another influential memory from my childhood is candy. Candy was reserved in my young life a special treat given only during holidays and at special times. My color palette reflects multi-colored sweet tarts and sugary cotton candy. I finish my pieces with a pearly luster referencing the iridescence of fancy candy wrappers and Easter basket cellophane.

To make my work is an act of "making special". My work demonstrates the fruit of human creativity and the value of the handmade, in producing unique works reflecting a singular artistic vision.

Lisa Bradley Bio

Lisa Alvarez Bradley is a full-time studio potter and Ceramic Specialist for the City if Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.

She received her BFA from Kent State University in ceramics. After receiving her degree she furthered her education by studying ceramics with Tony Mash in Cortona, Italy through the University of Georgia and spent two years with Linda Arbuckle at the University of Florida as a Post Baccalaureate.

Lisa currently manages and is an instructor at the Cultural Affairs Ceramic Studio. She has taught ceramic workshops at many elementary and high schools as well as the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Her work has been published in 500 Cups, by Lark Books and exhibits her work in juried and invitational exhibitions as well as sells specialty cake and cupcake plates at "Back in the Day Bakery" in Savannah, GA.

Lisa Bradley Resume

EDUCATION

2003-2005, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Post Baccalaureate Study in Ceramics

2002, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, Art History

1997, The University of Georgia Study Abroad Program, , Cortona, Italy, Major in Ceramics and Art History, Minor in Furniture Design

1997, Kent State University, Kent, OH, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramic Art, Minor in Art History

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2005-Present, Ceramic Specialist, City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, Savannah, GA, Manager and instructor of Cultural Affairs Ceramic Studio. Organize, plan, and implement a variety of cultural arts programs. Assistant director of Cultural Arts Summer Camp.

2004-2005, Lead Preschool Instructor, Gainesville, FL, O2B Kids College, aught 3-year-old preschool beginning academic curriculum

2001-2003, Ceramic and Fine Arts Studio Technician, Savannah, GA, Savannah College of Art and Design, Coordinated Ceramic and Painting Studios, Duties included: budget and ordering supplies, supervising work study students, assisting with departmental research and administering course evaluations.

2002-2003, Ceramic Instructor, Savannah, GA, City of Savannah's Cultural Affairs Visual Arts Program, Taught adult and children's classes

1999-2003, Ceramic Specialist , Savannah, GA, City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, Organized, planned, and implemented a variety of cultural, arts programs. Administrator and instructor for Daffin Park, Ceramic Studio. Director of Cultural Arts Summer Camp.

1999, 2001, Gallery Assistant, Savannah, GA, Galerie Elan, Sales representative and assistant to gallery owner

1998-1999, Ceramic Instructor, Savannah, GA, City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs,Taught adult and children's classes

EXHIBITIONS

2005-Present, Back in Day Bakery, Savannah, GA

2005, Starving Artist Exhibition and Sale, Group Exhibition, Savannah, GA, Gallery Espresso

2005, December Delight, Savannah, GA, Department of Cultural Affairs Ceramic Studio

2003-2004, Shop SCAD, Savannah, GA, Savannah College of Art and Design

2004, Clayboration, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, FL, Oak Hall

2004, Marks and Meaning, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, FL, Oak Hall

2004, Foolish Endeavors Brilliant Creations, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, FL

2003, Winter Clay Show, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, FL, Media Image Gallery

2003, Student/Teacher Annual Exhibition, Savannah, GA, SPACE Gallery

2001, Unity Exhibition, Savannah, GA, Gallery A.D.

2001, Student/Teacher Annual Exhibition, Savannah, GA, SPACE Gallery

1999-2001, Gallery Elan, Savannah, GA

2000, Student/Teacher Annual Exhibition, Savannah, GA, SPACE Gallery

1998-1999, Studio Quatro, City Market, Savannah, GA

1998, A.T. Hun Gallery, Savannah, GA

1997, The Little Art Gallery, Juried Show, N. Canton, OH

1997, Monstra Group Exhibition, Cortona, Italy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

1997, Tea Time; BFA Exhibition, Kent, OH

PUBLICATIONS

4 "Collaborative Brickworks at the Savannah College of Art and Design", by Glen R. Brown and Yves Paquette, Ceramic Technical No. 21, 2005

87 500 Cups Ceramic Explorations of Unity and Grace, Lark Books, A Division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 2004

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS

2005, Tile Mural Project, Savannah, GA, Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy, Directed 60 elementary students in the creation and, Installation of a 5'X6' tile mural

2001, Butterfly Garden, Savannah, GA, Saint Andrews School, Directed first grade class in the creation of outdoor ceramic flowers for their butterfly garden

2000, Garden Project , Savannah, GA, Union Mission Ceramic Art Therapy, Directed Union Mission residents in ceramic workshops,, creating outdoor ceramic garden art

1999, Tiled Altar Piece, Savannah, GA, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Directed 300 members from Sacred Heart Church in the, creation of a tiled Alter Piece

1999, Gargoyle Project, Savannah, GA, Blessed Sacrament School, Directed 25 elementary students in the creation of ten 15" ceramic gargoyle sculptures

1999, Tile Mural Project , Savannah, GA, Blessed Sacrament School, Directed 400 preschool to eighth grade students in the, creation and installation of a 10'X13' tile mural