Welcome to the May issue and the reveal of Ceramics Monthly’s 2024 Emerging Artist finalists! It’s with great pleasure that I share the work of 21 selected artists in the pages that follow. Chosen from over 840 entrants, this group of artists exemplifies the talent, dedication, and creativity that mark the field of contemporary ceramics.
Each year, this contest is open to artists who have pursued a career in ceramics for ten years or fewer. Every submission is assessed by the editorial staff for the following criteria: demonstrated skill in the craftsmanship of objects, cohesiveness and originality of artistic voice, evident contextualization of work within an area of interest, effective communication of ideas and conceptual concerns, and quality of submitted images.
Reviewing the work of hundreds of applicants is a challenging but rewarding task—it grants us a glimpse of the strength of the field as a whole. It also provides a view of the range of trends and interests that are prevalent at the moment. One notable theme that continuously emerged as we reviewed submissions is connectivity. Artists are engaging audiences by inviting us into works that explore and express personal narratives, or creating objects that encourage interpersonal connection and sharing through their use. Another recurring theme I noticed is the intentional boundary pushing of clay as a material, even reaching beyond to thoughtfully incorporate other media. Several of our finalists utilize mixed media or non-traditional technology in a manner that is skillful and impactful.
After selecting the finalists, we asked each artist a few questions about their journeys, goals, and inspirations in clay. The answers they provided touch on numerous facets of the reality of being a ceramic artist—the technical difficulties that all who work in clay can relate to, bits of advice that continue to resonate as they build their practices and careers, and projects they plan to tackle next. It’s intriguing to learn more about what charges their work and research, and I look forward to seeing where each artist goes from here.
In addition to our contest finalists, this issue includes a Studio Visit with Stacy Snyder, whose Virginia-based pottery practice involves collaboration outside the field. Erin Shafkind describes how Milo Berezin found his way to clay and now creates pottery with relatable animal illustrations. Shalya Marsh catches us up on how an interest in new technology has impacted her work and business since her own selection as a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist in 2018. You’ll also find recipes, a case study in using clay veneers to avoid glaze faults, DIY tool instructions, and more.
Personally, I find the Emerging Artist issue, with a snapshot feature of each artist, to be especially invigorating. I hope you, too, are fueled by the ceramic art and perspectives shared and I encourage you to carry that inspiration into the studio—that’s my plan.
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Welcome to the May issue and the reveal of Ceramics Monthly’s 2024 Emerging Artist finalists! It’s with great pleasure that I share the work of 21 selected artists in the pages that follow. Chosen from over 840 entrants, this group of artists exemplifies the talent, dedication, and creativity that mark the field of contemporary ceramics.
Each year, this contest is open to artists who have pursued a career in ceramics for ten years or fewer. Every submission is assessed by the editorial staff for the following criteria: demonstrated skill in the craftsmanship of objects, cohesiveness and originality of artistic voice, evident contextualization of work within an area of interest, effective communication of ideas and conceptual concerns, and quality of submitted images.
Reviewing the work of hundreds of applicants is a challenging but rewarding task—it grants us a glimpse of the strength of the field as a whole. It also provides a view of the range of trends and interests that are prevalent at the moment. One notable theme that continuously emerged as we reviewed submissions is connectivity. Artists are engaging audiences by inviting us into works that explore and express personal narratives, or creating objects that encourage interpersonal connection and sharing through their use. Another recurring theme I noticed is the intentional boundary pushing of clay as a material, even reaching beyond to thoughtfully incorporate other media. Several of our finalists utilize mixed media or non-traditional technology in a manner that is skillful and impactful.
After selecting the finalists, we asked each artist a few questions about their journeys, goals, and inspirations in clay. The answers they provided touch on numerous facets of the reality of being a ceramic artist—the technical difficulties that all who work in clay can relate to, bits of advice that continue to resonate as they build their practices and careers, and projects they plan to tackle next. It’s intriguing to learn more about what charges their work and research, and I look forward to seeing where each artist goes from here.
In addition to our contest finalists, this issue includes a Studio Visit with Stacy Snyder, whose Virginia-based pottery practice involves collaboration outside the field. Erin Shafkind describes how Milo Berezin found his way to clay and now creates pottery with relatable animal illustrations. Shalya Marsh catches us up on how an interest in new technology has impacted her work and business since her own selection as a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist in 2018. You’ll also find recipes, a case study in using clay veneers to avoid glaze faults, DIY tool instructions, and more.
Personally, I find the Emerging Artist issue, with a snapshot feature of each artist, to be especially invigorating. I hope you, too, are fueled by the ceramic art and perspectives shared and I encourage you to carry that inspiration into the studio—that’s my plan.
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