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Robert Harrison

Biography to Display: 

1953 Born Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

EDUCATION

1975 BFA Ceramics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

1981 MFA Ceramics, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado

SELECTED RESIDENCIES

1983–1985 Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana

1989 Kohler Company – Arts/Industry Program, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

1994 Anderson Ranch, Snowmass Village, Colorado

1999 Medalta International Artists-in-Residence Program; Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada

2000 National Academy of Art and Design, Oslo, Norway

2003 International Ceramics Festival; University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom

2004 University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky

2006 International Ceramics Studio; Kecskmet, Hungary

2007 Arta Park; Alassio, Italy

2009 Australian National University, School of Art, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia

2014 Danish International Wood Fire Conference; Guldagergaard, Skaelskor, Denmark

2015 WABA: Clayarch Gimhae Museum of Architectural Ceramics, Gimhae, Republic of Korea

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1980–1981 Graduate Teaching Assistant-Ceramics, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado

1981–1983 Assistant Professor of Art, Ceramics Department Head, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington

1985 Ceramics Instructor, The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Helena, Montana

1985–1987 Assistant to the Head, Ceramics, The Banff Centre School for the Arts, Banff, Alberta, Canada

1987–1988 Lecture Tour of the British Isles (10 lectures)

1988–1989 Acting Head, Ceramics, The Banff Centre for the Arts, Banff, Alberta, Canada

BIOGRAPHY

 

Robert Harrison is known for his large-scale site-specific architectural installations that incorporate brick and other materials. Smaller scale studio works include gallery installations, one of kind ceramic objects and multiples.

Harrison’s early career focused on the ceramic vessel, and then took a decidedly sculptural turn in the early 1980’s. His work grew in scale and complexity, and developed into his own identifiable style. The artist is heavily influenced by historic and contemporary world architecture, cultures and aesthetic.

Harrison states that the ‘Architecture of Space’ has become the focus of his artistic exploration. Harrison’s recent work in both large and small-scale studio objects has led to work opportunities with brick and tile manufacturers around the world. By partnering with industry, the artist investigates new tools and materials that support all aspects of his creative practice.

From 2004 to 2010 Harrison was President of the Board of National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (N.C.E.C.A.) and in 2011 he was made a fellow of N.C.E.C.A.

PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Public Collections to Display: 

Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Helena, Montana

John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Penland School of Crafts, Penland, North Carolina

Jundt Art Museum, Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington

Museum of Science and Culture, Helena, Montana

Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper, Wyoming

Ruth Chandker Williamson Gallery, Scripps College, Claremont, California

Sonderborg Municipality Collection, Sonderborg, Denmark

State Art Collection, Office of Public Works, Dublin, Ireland

University of Kentucky Art Museum, Lexington, Kentucky

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography to Display: 

Harrison, Robert. The Architecture of Space. Helena, MT: Drumlummon Institute Publishers, 2009.

_____________. Sustainable Ceramics: A Practical Approach. London, England: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2013.

Heeney, Gwen. Brickworks. London, United Kingdom: A&C Black Publishers, 2003.

Held, Peter.  A Ceramic Continuum; Fifty Years of the Archie Bray Influence. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 2001.

Jones, David. Firing: Philosophies Within Contemporary Ceramic Practice. Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, England:  Crowood Press, 2007.

King, Peter. Architectural Ceramics for the Studio Potter. Asheville, NC: Lark Books, 1999.

Nelson, Glenn and Richard Burkett. Ceramics: A Potters Handbook, 6th Edition. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Publications, 2001.

Pancioli, Diana. Extruded Ceramics. Ashville, North Carolina: Lark Books, 2000.

Robison, Jim. Large Scale Ceramics. London, England: A&C Black Publishers, 1997.

 

 

Typical Marks
ca 1980
1981
1991
2004
2011
2011
2015
Potter's Shrine
Date: 1958
Form: Installation
Materials: Clay
Photo: TMP
Teapot
Date: ca 1980
Materials: Stoneware
Method: Thrown
Surface Technique: Glaze, Woodfire
Collection of the Artist
Photo: TMP
Collection of the Artist
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Basket
Date: 1981
Materials: Stoneware
Method: Thrown and Altered
Surface Technique: Glaze
Collection of the Artist
Photo: TMP
Collection of the Artist
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
T'ang Meets Yuan
Date: 1991
Form: Wall Hanging
Materials: Mixed Media, Shards
Method: Hand-Built
Surface Technique: Glaze
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marer Collection, Scripps College, 92.2.4
Photo: TMP
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marer Collection, Scripps College, 92.2.4
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Sculpture
Date: 2004
Materials: Clay, Wood
Method: Hand-Built
Surface Technique: Glaze
Clay Studio of Missoula Permanent Collection
Photo: TMP
Clay Studio of Missoula Permanent Collection
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Pipe Dream Romantic Interlude
Date: 2015
Form: Sculpture
Materials: Porcelain
Photo: TMP
Elemental Brick
Form: Sculpture
Materials: Clay
Photo: TMP

Citation: "The Marks Project." Last modified July 28, 2023. http://www.themarksproject.org:443/marks/harrison-1