International Ceramics Studio
Artists in Residence

THOMAS ORR (USA)
July, 2005 - Painted Clay Ceramic Symposium

ABOUT MY RESIDENCY AT ICS

Orr uses multiple glaze layers in brilliant colors. These are applied to box-like forms which
make references to doors, windows and houses. Multi-glazing and firing is most often necessary to achieve the desired surface and texture which supports the content of his work

Tom Orr’s unique clay is rich in form, color and surface that seemingly age with deft skill. Orr graduated with a Master of Fine Art from Claremont Graduate School in Claremont, California.

The surface, form and unique color are skillfully managed in this new series of connected wall boxes. Here Thomas Orr demonstrates the issues of some pattern perceived as a landscape, but it is the “looking into” that wondrously appears in his works. He is noted for his sculptural cups generally with a black lip and with special surfaces, not open as in a cup, but very much like a profile of a being. His forms either as boxes or other markers such as cups have a startling effect as they are beautifully articulated and thoughtfully profound.


"My new impetus is formal issues of color and space. Issues of pattern and decoration are important to ceramic pots and sculpture, but usually stood second to form. With the implementation of decorated ceramic boxes, my work delved into the formal issue of color. No longer was form the imposing catalyst; color ruled! I continue in this vein in exploring the sculptural cups, albeit the shapes of the cups remain more individual in nature than the cubical box 'canvases.' " -- Thomas Orr