Sherry Wells

1955 Born Los Angeles, California

EDUCATION

1978 Coursework Art, Mathematics, English, El Camino College, Torrance, California

1999 AA Visual Art Emphasis, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, Montana

2006 BA Secondary Education, Art and Reading Endorsements, University of Great Falls, Great Falls, Montana

RESIDENCIES

1978 Artist in Residence, Hanawai Pottery, Paradise, California

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1976 -1978 Art Director, YMCA Summer Program, Torrance, California

1979 Ceramics Instructor, Creative Arts Center, Chico, California

1985 -1987 Ceramics Instructor, Free Flight Studio, Eureka, Montana

1987-1988 Ceramics Instructor, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, Montana

1989 Production Potter, Paradise Pottery, Honolulu, Hawaii

1990 Ceramics Instructor, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, Montana

1991 Ceramics Instructor, Free Flight Studio, Eureka, Montana

1996 -1997 Ceramics Instructor, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, Montana

1997 -2000 Production Potter, Whitefish Pottery, Whitefish, Montana

2004 Ceramics Instructor, Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, Montana

Sherry Wells is known for wheel thrown and altered dining, serving, and decorative ware. Her work is made of porcelain and white stoneware clay bodies. Work is fired in gas reduction kiln to cone 10 (2,350F). Wells also does 4-5 day firings in a wood fueled kiln.

Initially trained as a glassblower, Wells reluctantly began her studies in ceramics during curriculum restructuring at El Camino College. With early mentor and teacher Neil Moss, she quickly decided to make the medium her life’s work. Line & form drives Wells’ studio output. She strives for a sense of movement with each piece created. Wells considers the clay and firing combinations that will give the desired effect. Wells is motivated by forms and motion in the natural world, especially how elements including water and air move around obstacles to carve their paths.

In addition to her personal creations, Wells has supported the ceramics field through teaching efforts.