Craig Wood ( he/him/his )

My current work explores the concept of hybridity and the possibilities of otherworldly life forms.  I am particularly interested in creating ceramic sculptures that embody a sense of otherness and challenge our assumptions about what constitutes a living being.

 These creatures are composed of various organic and mechanical parts that are fused together in unexpected ways.  Some of them have tentacle-like appendages that suggest a level of sentience and mobility, while others have intricate geometries that defy conventional biological structures.

 My intention is to invite viewers to question our assumptions about life, intelligence, and the boundaries between organic and inorganic matter.  By presenting these hybrid creatures in a tangible, three-dimensional form, I hope to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity about what other forms of life might exist beyond our own planet.

 Through my art, I aim to push the boundaries of our imaginations and encourage a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life in the universe.  Whether these hybrid creatures exist only in our minds or in some distant corner of the cosmos, I believe that they offer a window into a world of possibility and creativity that is just waiting to be explored.

Craig Wood is an American artist based in Woodstock, New York and St. Petersburg, Florida.  Born in 1961 in Orlando, Florida, Wood developed a love for ceramics in early adulthood. Wood’s current work invites the viewer to question common assumptions about life, particularly given the limitations of one’s personal experience.  He is particularly interested in the ways in which art can spark imagination and rekindle the sense of child-like wonder often lost in adulthood. Wood’s sculptural work employs vivid, bold colors, unexpected shapes, and an unusual combination of ceramic and non-ceramic elements.   His two-dimensional work explores the concepts of cultural and personal identity, and often employs the use of visual puns and references to art history. Wood has exhibited his work in galleries and museums across America, including in Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, and Oregon.  His work is included in the collection 500 Tiles: An Inspiring Collection of International Work published by Lark Books, and his work can be seen in the March 2024 edition of Ceramics Monthly magazine. Overall, Wood’s work is characterized by its thoughtful exploration of human experience and its bold, dynamic aesthetic.  Through his art he continues to contribute his voice to contemporary art and to the broader cultural conversation.