Collection: Jeremy R. Brooks - Featured Artist

Artist Statement:

My studio practice operates at the intersection of material science and contemporary craft (ceramics / fibers). I knit and crochet work with clay. My process begins with formulating an elastic clay body in a lab. In its working state, elastic clay is incredibly stretchy and similar in feel to the character of a rubber band. Once it is fired, it becomes rigid through the heat work in the kiln as it transforms into ceramic ware. The elasticity allows me to work with clay in ways that would not be possible with traditional, plastic based bodies. For example, elastic clay can be tied into a variety of tight knots, knit, crocheted, or even woven into more complex structures. Work within this studio practice can be seen in my “Knot Pots” series of work.

Bio:

Jeremy R. Brooks (b. 1979, Detroit, MI) grew up in the suburbs of Sterling Heights, MI. His first notable ceramic artwork was a queer little trophy created for “never winning a trophy” (1986). Since a young lad, he identified as a droll ceramophile and was afflicted with occasional bouts of decalcomania {{Citation needed}}. He left for college to pursue his passion for ceramics, eventually receiving a BFA in art and design from Grand Valley State University (2001) and a MFA in ceramic art from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University (2007). Jeremy has balanced his career between working as an artist and teaching at the university level. He is currently an Associate Professor of Ceramics and 3D at Coastal Carolina University (2018-Present). Since 2001, Brooks has exhibited artwork in well over 100 exhibitions. Some of his honors include a fellowship in craft (FY24) by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, finalist in the category of found materials for the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize (2017), finalist in the category of ceramics molded for several NICHE Awards (2013, 2011, 2010), emerging artist award by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (2011), guest of honor at the XXI International Biennial of Vallauris, France (2010), and resident artist at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA (2007-8). Jeremy currently resides in Conway, South Carolina where he surrounds himself with copious amounts of ceramic figurines and decals.

Find Jeremy’s Artaxis page: https://artaxis.org/jeremy-brooks

Find Jeremy on Instagram: @decalcomaniac

** Jeremy Brooks' Artaxis Shop has ended. You can find more work available for sale by visiting the other Featured Artist collections HERE