Tyler Quintin

Artist Statement

My work focuses on my experience navigating life as a Korean-American, as well as the formulation of my identity through Internet culture. Taking inspiration from wire frame models in 3D software, I recreate traditional Korean ceramic forms through intricate clay structures. The vessels, which are traditional in form but lack the surface area on which to apply traditional decoration, become a metaphor for the contrast between my physical appearance and my lack of a Korean cultural upbringing. Additionally, I am interested in the formulation of identity through the guise of online avatars. My sculptures utilize animal characters to act as my own avatars to tell personal narratives. Parts of these animals are deconstructed into wire frames to communicate the idea of a rendered, artificial moment. In contrast, I want the emotions of the avatars involved to communicate the authenticity of the experience.

Bio

Tyler Quintin is currently a long-term artist in residence at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, FL and was recently a resident artist at the Haystack Mountain School of Craft in Deer Isle, MN. Prior to this, he completed work-study, internship, and assistantship positions with various artists and craft schools across the country. Tyler received a BFA from Washburn University in 2016 on a full tuition merit scholarship. This opportunity afforded him the facilities to explore work across a variety of mediums, which eventually led to a transition from drawing to ceramics. Tyler’s work has been exhibited in numerous national and international exhibitions, including venues such as the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts (Helena, MT), the San Angelo Museum of Art (San Angelo, TX), and the Lancaster Museum of Art (Lancaster, PA). Recently, Tyler was a presenter for the international online ceramics conference, The Ceramics Congress. His work is featured in the permanent collections of the Mulvane Art Museum (Topeka, KS) and the San Angelo Museum of Art, and was recently published in Ceramics Monthly Magazine.