James D. Secrest, Philip Secrest

1921Born Muncie, Indiana

2009Died Somers, Montana

EDUCATION

—Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

—Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1950MFA Ceramics, New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

—United States Marine Corps, WWII

1960sFaculty, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York

1960sFaculty, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York

1954-1974Co-owner, Secrest Ceramic Design, Bristol Township, New York

1973-1974Owner, Secrest Ceramic Design, Bristol Township, New York

 

James D. Secrest is known for reduction fired stoneware pottery. Surface techniques include earth toned glazed areas with contrasting wax resist unglazed areas.

In addition to pottery, Secrest produced chandeliers and lamps using mixed media forms incorporating clay and metal elements.  Along with his brother, Philip, they operated Secrest Ceramic Design, outside of Rochester, New York from 1954-1974.

Public Collections

David Owsley Museum of Art, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

Bibliography

American Studio Ceramics: A Survey of the Collection Exhibition Viewing Guide-Toshiko Takaezu: Inside the Volcano. Muncie, IN: Ball State University Museum of Art.

Bernstein, Melvin Herbert.  Art & Design at Alfred: A Chronicle of a Ceramics College. Art Alliance Press, 1986.

 

 

 

Southern Highland Craft Guild