Marc Barr
Marc Barr’s handbuilt vessels originate in computer-manipulated photographs and drawings that are then turned into stencils and engravings. The screenprinting is done with colored underglazes and slips. The textural or relief surfaces are created with the aid of a laser engraver and photopolymers that use the images for creating rubber and polymer sheets. The sheets were then pressed into the wet clay pieces before assembly, resulting in a completely original surface composition.
Marc Barr at MudFire
Gallery group show Constructed, April 2010
Gallery group show Teapots A-Go-Go 2, April 2004
Marc Barr Artist Bio
I'm originally from the Bronx NY, but have been living in Tennessee since the mid 1970's. I currently teach at Middle Tennessee State University courses in digital animation, compositing, applied media aesthetics, and creativity. I've been working with combining technology and traditional art processes for over twenty years. The challenge is to utilize and build upon what has worked well across cultures and centuries and infuse into that foundation new methods and techniques.
The screenprinted and relief surfaces have imagery that originates with a variety of computer-manipulated photographs and drawings that are then turned into stencils and engravings. The screenprinting is done with colored underglazes and slips. The textural or relief surfaces are created with the aid of a laser engraver and photopolymers that use the images for creating rubber and polymer sheets. The sheets were then pressed into the wet clay pieces before assembly.
I particularly enjoy the challenges of teapots, cup forms, vessels, and tiles. They are items of everyday use and some of the first and most traditional things everyone makes when beginning to work with clay. They are intriguing challenges with specific parameters. They are among the most sensual things we make, use, and decorate our homes with. They must be pleasing to the senses, must function well and have good balance.
