"Polka Dots"
Mark Knott

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.

Mark Knott Artist Statement

My work is a reflection of my history, a confluence of my life experiences.

My ceramic lineage traces back to Kansas City and Ken Ferguson. Ken instilled a powerful work ethic combined with individual artistic growth. My time at Kansas City allowed me to build a strong ceramic foundation and a deep personal well.

My work at present is grounded in the historical ceramic tradition of functional pottery.

The forms that interest me most reflect my love of the ocean: boats, water, continual movement, and repetitive patterns. These forms are softened by an ever changing color pallet and the atmosphere of my soda kiln. In contrast to the looseness of my forms are the inherent vertical influences of grain silos and water towers.

I use both stoneware and porcelain in my work. Decorative issues are addressed by various slips, which add depth and texture to the work. The work is then dealt with individually and multiple glazes are applied by cut sponge stamps, brushes, and dipping and/or pouring. The glazes are allowed to interact creating secondary patterning. The work is then soda fired to cone 6, or approximately 2250 F. Soda kilns tend to enhance and brighten the glazes and is sometimes referred to as the kinder, gentler little sister of salt firing. In my case, the soft blues, turquoises, and yellows, in contrast with the clay bodies and slips complement each other in a vibrant, striking manner.

While I do not want to remove myself from the historical aspects of ceramics, I find it necessary to pursue new ideas and at times look beyond the functionality of work.

Mark Knott Artist Resume

EDUCATION

San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 1991, M.F.A., Plastic Art

San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 1990, M.A., Ceramics

Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO, 1988, B.F.A., Ceramics

INTERNSHIPS/RESIDENCES

Visiting Artist, Savonal/Abisolla, Italy, June - August 1990

Summer Resident, Archie Bray Foundation, 1986

Artist Assistant, Sun Valley Center for the Arts, 1984

Resident Artist, Sun Valley Center for the Arts, 1982-83

EXHIBITIONS

Perspectives, 5o Georgia Potters and Collectors, 2005, 2006, Watkinsville, GA

Teapot A Go-Go, MudFire Gallery National Teapot Show, 2003, 2004, 2006, Atlanta, GA

LaGrange National Biennial, 1998, LaGrange, GA

Big Art Painting Show/One Person, 1997, 1996, 1995, Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Center for Contemporary Art Erotic Art Show/Group, 1997, 1996, Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Municipal Utilities District Teachers Students/Group, 1997, Sacramento, CA

Studio 24 Painting Show/One Person, 1996, Sacramento, CA

Studio 24 Bicycle Show/Group, 1996, Sacramento, CA

Short Center South Student/Staff Group, 1995, Sacramento, CA

San Jose State University Thesis Show, 1991, San Jose, CA

San Jose State University Masters Show, 1990, San Jose, CA

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts - Beg. /Adv. Wheel, 2004 - Present , Duluth, GA

Creative Enterprises, Inc., Painting and Ceramics - Adults with Disabilities , 2004 - Present, Lawrenceville, GA

Short Center South, Painting and Ceramics - Adults with Disabilities, 1992 - 1991, Sacramento, CA

Graduate Teaching, Ceramics/Sculpture, 1989 - 1991, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Studio Assistant, 1990 - 1991, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Summer Studio Assistant, 1987, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO

Studio Assistant, 1987 - 1988, Victor Babu/Ken Ferguson

Studio Assistant, 1983 - 1985, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA

Studio Assistant, 1980 - 1982, Studio Assistant, Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs, CO