alacrapora – Mark Gilpatrick – 8″ x 11″ x 14″ – Ceramic Sculpture

Mark Gilpatrick

Ceramics is an ancient technology that I personally feel privileged to touch, shape, and leave even the smallest impact on. My portfolio focuses heavily on the natural reclamation of earth. I hope my work inspires both a deeper reflection of the world we inhabit and as a cornerstone for re-evaluating the still of a dance we often see. The dance being the regular transitive nature all materials, even ourselves go through to be a presentable image. Most of my work distinctly harkens back to the process of its own creation. Many "correct" steps are purposely subverted to give the unique textures, feel, light play that allows nature to help shape my work. My work is predominantly built with mid fire and low fire clay bodies and includes various firing techniques, recycling methodologies, and incorporation of materials not traditionally used by ceramicists. I build my pieces in a nearly 0 waste studio where I collect other people's waste to incorporate into my pieces. I started ceramics at 14 years old and started winning awards for my work at 19. I occasionally teach at studios around LA and operate my own personal studio where I pursue mastering my art.