The Marks Project - A Marks Dictionary of American Studio Pottery, 1946 to Present

Nicholas, Nick, Bivins

EDUCATION

2001 BA Interdisciplinary Visual Art, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

2004 BFA Ceramics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

2009 MFA Ceramics, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio

APPRENTICESHIPS AND RESIDENCIES

2009-2010 Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge Montana

2010-2012 Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

2011-2012 Studio and Kiln Technician, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana

2012-2013 Visiting Artist and Lecturer, University of Seattle, Washington

2014—Art Instructor, Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma, Washington

BIOGRAPHY

Nicholas Bivins makes functional high-fired porcelain ceramics, including but not limited to cups, mugs, teapots and vessel series. The reductive minimal aesthetic is accomplished using slip cast abstract forms. The pieces are finished with glazes and decals that emphasize the minimalist forms. The trays the pots rest on are CNC-milled MDF, with automotive paint and rubber.

In 2011, Nicholas Bivens was a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist, and in 2012 was chosen as an NCECA Emerging Artist.

Public Collections

rosenfieldcollection.org

Bibliography

Bivins, Nicholas. “Focus on Functional Pots.” Ceramics Monthly (December 2009).

Donahoe, Emily. “A Fine Line, Exhibition Review.” Ceramics Monthly (February 2013).

“From the Center to the Edge, The Bray Turns 60.” Ceramics Monthly (April 2011).

Israel, Susannah. Fellowship Color Catalog. Helena, MT” Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, 2011.

Kangas, Matthew. “Review of BAM Biennial 2010.” Ceramics Monthly (April 2011).

“Kitchen Art.” Diablo Magazine (March 2010).

“Let’s Talk Function: Two Potters Discuss Making Handmade Pottery for Use.” Ceramics Arts Daily, November 22, 2009.

Merino, Anthony. “Exhibition Review: 2013 NCECA Biennial Exhibition.” (June-August 2013).

Peltzman, Doug. “Spotlight: Objective Clay.” Ceramics Monthly (June-August 2013).

“Push It—At Archie Bray, Tradition Means Innovation.” American Craft (June/July 2011).

“Upfront Section.” Ceramics Monthly (April 2010).

Southern Highland Craft Guild

Typical Marks

As of February 2017 the typical known mark is the initials “nb,” lower case, with the “n” being in the upper left, and its right stem carrying down to become the upward vertical stroke of the “b” in the lower right of a perfect circle.