Sanam Emami

Born Iran

EDUCATION

1993 BA History, Ceramics Minor, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia

1997 Post Baccalaureate in Ceramics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

2002 MFA Ceramics, New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

2003-2004 Adjunct Assistant Professor, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, New York

2004-2007 Visiting Assistant Professor, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, New York

2007-2013 Assistant Professor, Department of Art, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

2013— Associate Professor, Department of Art, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

RESIDENCIES

1998–2000 Artist in Residence, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Helena, Montana

2006 Artist in Residence, Artists Invite Artists Program, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, Maine

2010 Artist in Residence, ART 342, Fort Collins, Colorado

2014 Artist in Residence, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

BIOGRAPHY

Sanam Emami is known for utilitarian pottery and tile. Depending on the form, work is thrown, hand built or slip cast. Emami’s art reflects her Iranian roots and Pre-Islamic and Islamic Art.  

This is reflected in the shapes of and impressions on the clay form as well as in the subtle surface decoration, pattern and imagery. Emami states she is interested in playing with the idea of representation within the broad scope of Islamic art and architecture. Some techniques used to explore these ideas are silk screen, stencil, carving and the use of translucent glazes over a dark clay body.