Red Lodge Clay Center – Short-Term Resident (AIA) 2017
Born and raised in North Florida, Alicia grew up in a creative family that supported her artistic efforts. Alicia Mack has pursued clay as a primary medium for 28 years. She has been inspired by the curves of succulent plants, the soft sloping and altered forms of ancient Korean ceramics, and even the gracefulness of the1940’s and 50’s cars which her father restored in the family garage.
Alicia alters pots while then they are wet on the wheel to retain a fresh voluminous quality. She graduated from The University of Florida with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in ceramics in 2000, and obtained a Master in Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the University of Miami in 2008. She has exhibited her work nationwide. Alicia has taught as an adjunct instructor for colleges and universities, taught workshops for atmospheric firing, and currently teaches for the Clay Art Studios of the Hamptons. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Hampton Bays, New York.
Each day of our lives we spend breathing. We inhale and exhale our earth’s air to sustain life. We may not be aware of this, but it is a constant. Consider the rise and fall of the chest, the expansion of the lungs to fill with oxygen. This volume is not just a necessity, but is also a gesture; a deep sigh, a slow calm inhalation, or a gasp to fill the lungs before entering water.
When I explore the qualities of breath or softness, I turn to my potter’s wheel to make and alter forms that capture air and remain soft even after they are made permanent by fire. My work is functional, and meant to play a role in the daily moments of the user. I am on a constant search for forms that are simple, quiet, visually soft, and pleasing to touch.