Robert Shay, Bob Shay

Born 1944 New York, New York

EDUCATION

BS New York University, New York, New York

MA New York University, New York, New York

1973 MFA University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

Faculty Artist, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Dean, Herron School of Design, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana

1998 – 2010 Dean, College of Fine Arts, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky

2010 – present Professor for Ceramics and Drawing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky

2010- onward potter

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Shay is best known for slip cast whiteware vessel forms as well as sculptures and platters.  Shay multi-fires work in a gas kiln, using different materials such as batteries, rock salt and unusual items in the first firing to promote scarring. The pieces are then either clear glazed or decorated with china paint and luster then oxidation fired. 

 A shift in Shay’s style in 2010 introduced large ceramic platters conveying a sense of landscape, as well as sculptures glazed and painted to resemble wood or bone rather than clay.