Artist Statement
The work consists of stoneware clay that has been fired at high temperatures in atmospheric and gas kilns. This surface treatment exhibits the transition of flame and ash across the vessel. Putting the kiln into a heavy reduction encourages the dark colors that contrasts the subtleties of the flashing slips and glazes. The drama of these surfaces are used as a metaphor, that of a relationship with a Divine Mystery. Each shift and transition of the flame is recorded on the pot as it holds this metaphor of the Divine in my life.
— Eric Ordway
Bio
Eric then moved on to work as a resident artist at Morean Center for Clay in St. Petersburg, FL. There he began firing wood kilns of differing designs. He also took on the responsibilities of a studio technician, gallery attendant, ceramics instructor, and show curator. During this time he also taught upper division students ceramics at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, FL.
Eric returned to Columbia to pursue a Masters of Fine Art. Back at the University of Missouri, Eric experimented with a variety of technical processes, primarily focusing on expressive wheel thrown pottery. He fired work in atmospheric wood and soda kilns. His research eventually led him to the body of selected functional and expressive works exhibited in his thesis show Doxa: Prayerful Pots at the George Caleb Bingham Gallery. Eric has exhibited his work in juried and invitational shows both on a regional and national level.
Eric Ordway currently lives in Columbia, MO with his wife and dog, Cisco. He is a Lecturer of Ceramics at Truman State University, in Kirksville, MO.