All purchased artworks will be shipped after the end of the exhibition on December 9th.
Shannon Blakey, filtered through, 2023, Ceramic, resin, epoxy, 6.5" x 9" x 8"
Currently, my work often begins by me collecting objects through my daily life by me simple discovering them. We all share this ability to have our attention stolen by a form, texture, color or… while simply moving through our day. We also, more importantly, share the ability to find meaning through metaphor. These collected objects are pulled into the studio where they are put through a process of examination and recreation. Beginning the creative process with something found, something discovered and something real, feels increasingly important in a moment where many varying and strong opinions exist over seemingly an increasing number of things. Casts are pulled from found objects and this allows me to process my original interest in the objects and think more deeply about how these things are often intricately linked to so much more of my world beyond my vision.
Shannon Blakey is an artist from Columbia, MO, whose family originates from southern Missouri. As a long-time lover of nature and discoveries made from exploring in it, much of Shannon’s sensibilities in making are often pulled from this understanding. With clay being his primary material of choice, Shannon still processes much of his work though his understanding of clay and is fascinated with how a material that takes thousands of years to create, can be used to capture aspects of the current human condition. Shannon received his BFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and his MFA from Pennsylvania State University, helping to cement his understanding and appreciation for creative endeavors. With his love for clay, and from a place that seems to have no shortage of it, Shannon has balanced creating and educating with a range of teaching that includes art centers, museums and schools that range from elementary to college.