We are thrilled to have local artist Orie Shafer
as part of our inaugural Artist Spotlight feature at the museum and honored to have some of his fascinating and intricate ceramic works on display.
ARTIST STATEMENT – “All Tied Up”
Ropes have been a part of my work for years. I have used them in drawings, paintings, photography, and ceramics since the middle seventies. The slip cast pieces from the late eighties and early nineties where produced in collaboration with the American Art Clay Company for two exhibits: The American Art Clay Company’s “Indiana Vase Exhibition III” at Patrick King Contemporary Arts in Indianapolis and the “Dinner Works” exhibit, sponsored by the Louisville Visual Arts Association in Louisville, Kentucky. Many of the forms were treated as three-dimensional paintings. Some surfaces were completed with under glazes and clear over glaze, while others were decorated with colored pencils, pastels, acrylics, and oils. The surface treatments are meant to create an aged look. Each piece suggests a personal history. They are not about beauty. They reflect natural and at times an unnatural aging process. Each piece that I produce is meant to represent an aged find or discovered object. As if they were found beneath the sea or at an archeological dig. Many of the pieces are titled using geo coordinates, suggesting the location of each discovery.
Stop in to check it out and read below to learn a little more about Orie.
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN MAKING ART?
In high school when I flunked out of Latin class.
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
Not sure if I aim to say anything other then making art makes me happy. It is what keeps me centered.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
Joan Mitchell, Cy Twombly, Henry Moore, Picasso’s ceramics.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Making marks and waiting to see what happens next.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ARTWORK THAT YOU’VE CREATED?
The one I will create tomorrow.
HOW DO YOU WORK? WHEN DO YOU FEEL MOST CREATIVE?
My studio is a part of my home. It’s always there and I am in and out of it every day.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ARTIST TOOL? IS THERE SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR STUDIO?
The studio is the most important tool.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A WORK IS FINISHED?
I turn it to the wall and I don’t look at it for several days. When I turn it around, I know.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?
Not sure, there have been so many!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ARTIST JUST STARTING OUT?
Draw, Draw, Draw, and study business.
Thanks, Orie! Come check out his art on display. We are open Friday 5PM – 8PM, Saturday 4PM – 7PM, and Sunday 1PM – 4PM.
