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