MATT REPSHER •   SANTA FE, NM

Matt Repsher received a B.F.A. in Ceramic Arts from Penn State University, Pennsylvania in 1999 and an M.F.A. in Ceramic Arts from Indiana University, Bloomington. Matt has been a Visiting Artist at several schools, including Penland School of Crafts. For over 15 years, he has shown his works in solo and group exhibitions all over the country and has been a Ceramics Instructor at numerous Colleges and Universities across the Midwest and Southwest. Matt lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

"My process begins with constructing wheel-thrown vessels then dismantling them through carving a façade of structure that often pierces the wall of the pots. The pot form appears built by layers of arches, posts, lintels and discs, all of which are references to architectural elements that influence me. The architecture of the pots is reinforced by the surface I paint on the form. I am forever experimenting with how the painted surface can accentuate and manipulate the form and carved elements of a pot. To do so, I strategically comb the clay surface with serrated ribs and inlay-colored engobes (clay slips) to create additional patterns on the surface. The color softens the surface and creates an atmosphere of layers that accentuate the lines of the vessel.

Devoted to repetition and structure, I work in pottery forms as my canvas. Having been inspired to pursue the craft through my father, many of my recent forms are an homage to his pots and a recognition of his influence as a potter, builder and craftsman.”